A routine bit of yard work in Penn Township turned tragic Tuesday evening when a tree limb fell on a woman in Butler County, killing her at the scene, authorities said.
Emergency crews were called to the 400 block of Three Degree Road shortly after 5:50 p.m. A family member tried to revive the woman with CPR before first responders arrived, but she was pronounced dead in the yard, according to police.
Penn Township police told WTAE that first responders found the woman unresponsive and she died at the scene. The station reported that the Butler County Coroner's Office later confirmed it had identified the woman, though officials have not publicly released her name.
What experts say about falling limbs
Trees can shed large limbs without warning when they are weakened by decay, storms or structural defects. "If the tree does not represent an immediate hazard, take time to find and hire a qualified arborist," Penn State Extension advises. The organization offers guidance on assessing storm-damaged trees and planning next steps for care or removal.
How to stay safe after a hazardous limb
If you spot hanging limbs or obvious structural damage, stay well clear of the area and call 911 if there is any immediate danger, especially if branches are touching power lines. Safety experts urge homeowners not to attempt overhead chainsaw work themselves. The International Society of Arboriculture recommends hiring a certified arborist and verifying credentials before tackling any dangerous removals. For more on managing tree risk, see TreesAreGood.
Penn Township police and the Butler County Coroner's Office are investigating the death. The coroner's office maintains information about death investigations on its website at the Butler County Coroner's Office.
