A 78-year-old man was found pinned under a fallen tree near Brandon in Douglas County on Wednesday morning and was pronounced dead at the scene. Emergency crews tried life-saving measures but could not revive him. Authorities say the death appears to be accidental, and the case remains under investigation.
What authorities say
Deputies with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office found the man just before 11 a.m., and responders attempted resuscitation on site, according to FOX 9. The sheriff’s office has not released the victim’s name or detailed how the tree came down. Officials say the cause of death appears accidental while detectives continue to gather information.
Storms and downed trees
Early Wednesday, severe thunderstorm warnings were in effect for Douglas County as a line of storms moved through west-central Minnesota, increasing the risk that strong winds could topple trees, according to alerts carried by WeatherBug. The same weather system cut power to tens of thousands of customers statewide and left more than 3,300 without electricity in Douglas County, the Minnesota Star Tribune reported. The warnings highlighted the potential for damaging wind gusts capable of causing tree damage.
Investigation continues
Detectives with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office are continuing to examine the scene. The man’s name is being withheld until family members are notified. FOX 9 reported that it asked the sheriff’s office whether the incident is believed to be connected to the overnight storms, but officials have not confirmed any link. Authorities say more details will be released when appropriate.
