Paddler Killed by Falling Tree On July 15 a 76-year old woman was killed when a tree fell on her as she paddled by on Wisconsin ‘s Brule River with her daughter. The poplar tree, 18 inches in diameter and 40 feet high, had apparently been gnawed by beavers and weakened. The daughter was uninjured. SOURCE: The Antigo, WI Journal ANALYSIS: This type of accident is not really as “freakish” as it might sound. Other paddlers have died this way and you are advised to be aware of nearby trees during windy periods.