Woman killed after SUV hits fallen tree during severe storms in Wilmington, Delaware identified
WILMINGTON, Del. (WPVI) -- A woman was killed after an SUV hit a fallen tree during severe storms in Wilmington, Delaware, late Monday night.
The crash happened around 10:08 p.m. in the westbound lanes of Lancaster Pike approaching Hedgerow Place.
"It's unimaginable," said Vicki Witherell, who lives in the neighborhood. "It's just so sad that it happened so close to home. My heart goes out to that family."
State police say the tree fell directly in front of the Lexus RX SUV.
The driver swerved, but couldn't avoid hitting the tree.
"That's just horrendous," said one Wilmington resident. "Just goes to show ya, any second, and you have no control."
The SUV's passenger, a 79-year-old woman from Newark, Delaware, was killed. She has been identified as Beverly Wolfe.
The driver, a 79-year-old man from Newark, was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
"I just really feel bad for the gentleman that is having to deal with his grief as well as driving, there is nothing he could have done. You do your best to avoid something like that, and I hope at some point he finds some solace," said Witherell.
The tree also knocked down wires.
Delmarva Power said crews worked on site to restore service to six customers by the afternoon.
Many residents said they remained home because of the severity of the storm.
"Some of the thunderbolts coming down - the house was vibrating - it was that bad," said one resident.
"There has been a lot more storms that are intense lately than there have been, so you just have to buckle down and be safe," said another resident.
Now they're worried about the other trees in the area during future weather outbreaks.
"There are a lot of older trees in this neighborhood, and the house next to us has trees that are leaning over our property, and we're always afraid," said Witherell.
These residents hope county leaders and homeowners maintain or remove any trees that are unsafe to prevent similar tragedies.
