Massive tree crashes into Florida home, killing woman inside, first responders say

A woman living in rural Florida was killed when a large, moss-draped tree suddenly came crashing through the middle of her home, officials say.

It happened Monday, July 10, in the North Weeki Wachee area, about 55 miles north of Tampa, according to Hernando County Fire Rescue.

The identity of the victim was not released, but the 58-year-old woman was trapped under the web of limbs, officials said.

“Arriving crews found a large tree that had landed onto the center of the mobile home,” rescue officials said.

“Access to the victim was limited due to the unstable nature of the tree and structure. Upon gaining access, the victim was pronounced deceased on the scene.”

The cause of death is being investigated by the medical examiners office. However, “no foul play is suspected,” officials said.

A photo released by Hernando County Fire Rescue shows the tree appeared to split in half, with a large portion falling directly atop the home on Tooke Lake Boulevard. The structure, including an extension, sustained heavy damage, officials said.

Kevin Gibbs, a relative of the victim, told WFLA she spent most of her time on the porch. “She likes to sit there and look over the lake and stuff, and that’s where she was when the tree came down,” Gibbs told the station.

Investigators have not determined what caused the sudden fall, but the tree showed signs of severe rotting and winds were high at the time, officials said.

The tree was clearly old, and had a base estimated at 6 feet in diameter, fire rescue officials said.

This story was originally published July 12, 2023 at 10:34 AM with the headline "Massive tree crashes into Florida home, killing woman inside, first responders say."