Mother killed after part of tree falls on SUV in Chester Co.; 5-year-old in vehicle hospitalized

WEST WHITELAND TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- A 30-year-old woman died and her 5-year-old daughter was taken to the hospital after part of a tree fell on an SUV Thursday morning in West Whiteland Twp., Chester County.

The accident happened around 9:54 a.m. on South Ship Road north of Stonegate Court.

Investigators say the mother, identified by the coroner as Kelsey Jean, was driving a 2011 Chevrolet Suburban southbound when a piece of the tree fell on the SUV's roof.

The vehicle then traveled a short distance before coming to a stop in the northbound lanes.

"Thank God there were no other vehicles coming," said Det. Sgt. Jeffrey McCloskey of West Whiteland Twp. Police.

Jean was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her daughter was rescued from the vehicle and taken to Paoli Memorial Hospital.

"The problem with Ship Road is we have a lot of trees going up and down the street, and they're constantly falling. The tree limbs are coming down, it's awful," said resident Emily Bird.

Police say when they see problematic trees they either call PennDOT or the homeowners to address them. Investigators say this was a tragedy likely caused by Thursday's high winds.