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Report ID# 2924

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Accident Description

http://www.nbc10.com/news/16958656/detail.html

Kayaker Killed When 100-Foot Tree Falls On Him

Victim's Remote Location Slowed Rescue Efforts

NEW CASTLE COUNTY, Del. -- One man was killed on Tuesday in a freak accident in Brandywine Creek Park. Police said a tree toppled over, hitting a man as he paddled his kayak on Brandywine Creek. Video Report Police described the man as a 44-year-old male from Kennett Square, but said his name was being withheld for 24 hours per the family's request.

According to a news release from the Delaware State Police, the man was on the Brandywine River, approximately a quarter-mile north of Thompson's Bridge, when a tree unexpectedly fell from the eastern shoreline on top of him. Police said the tree was approximately 100 feet tall and approximately 5 feet wide. Police said the impact entangled the man and his three fellow kayakers. A hiker called 911 immediately after witnessing the incident. Witnesses said paramedics had difficulty reaching the victim because the accident happened in a remote location. Paramedics performed CPR on the kayaker but could not save his life. Emergency personnel tied two kayaks together to help transport the man to shore, but he was pronounced dead upon making it back to Thompson's Bridge, according to the release.

An inspection of the tree revealed it was rotted at the base. No foul play was suspected in the incident. Investigators said the man was accompanied by his wife and two good friends.

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