- April 22, 2024
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An Ormond Beach resident died after a tree fell on them during a severe thunderstorm around 1:20 p.m. on Sunday, July 22.
The Ormond Beach Police Department reported that 56-year-old Ormond Beach resident Benjamin Allen and a second person who was not named were moving furniture at a residence in the first block of Arroyo Parkway at the time of the incident. Allen was transported to Halifax Hospital for his injuries and died at the hospital the next day.
Police reported they found Allen gasping for air while lying in his driveway, surrounded by a large tree and shattered tree branches when officers arrived on scene. The second involved individual suffered minor injuries and was not transported to the hospital, police reported.
According to the Tree Care Industry Association, 46 people have been struck by trees in the U.S. while performing tree care in their homes from January, 2017 to June, 2018. When in the middle of a thunderstorm, the American Red Cross recommends people postpone outdoor activities and take shelter in a building or vehicle to stay safe.
This story was updated at 11:11 a.m., Monday, July 23, to correct Benjamin Allen's name, previously released by police as "James Allen." An update on his condition was also added.
This story was updated at 3:28 p.m., Tuesday, July 24, to show that Benjamin Allen has died.