Louisiana man dies when tree falls on his mobile home

SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) — A 48-year-old Shreveport man was killed when a tree fell on his mobile the night of Friday, April 9, according to the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The Caddo Parish Coroner’s office has identified the man as Jerry Smith.

Patrol deputies who responded to the residence in the 8900 block of Countryaire Drive just after 6:30 p.m. found a large tree atop the mobile home that was occupied by the man and his wife.

The tree struck the southeast corner of the structure, causing extensive damage to the exterior and interior of the home near the bedroom and bathroom where the man was located, the Sheriff’s Office reports.

Authorities say a neighbor heard the tree fall and went to investigate. The neighbor found man’s wife inside and helped her to safety. The woman was not injured. The neighbor then called 911.

The oak tree was so large, firefighters had to bring chainsaws to get into the house.

Deputies said there were strong winds in the area about the time the tree fell. The National Weather Service estimates there were 45-mph winds unrelated to thunderstorms.

Sheriffs’ Office personnel still are on the scene, and representatives of the Caddo Parish coroner’s office is responding.

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