Atlanta storms 1 person dies when tree falls on home in Grove Park
The incident happened a little before 5 a.m. as storms moved through the Westside neighborhood.
ATLANTA — A man in his 60s lost his life early Sunday morning when a tree fell on his home in Grove Park as intense storms swept across Atlanta.
It happened a little before 5 a.m. with storms moving through the Westside neighborhood, Atlanta Fire Rescue Capt. Scott Powell said.
Late Sunday night, the man’s wife identified him as Edward Johnson.
11Alive’s Erica Murphy spoke with his wife earlier when she arrived on scene. She described the victim as “a very good man,” whom she had been married to for the last 21 years.
Johnson’s daughter has set up a GoFundMe fundraiser to help with the funeral costs. She described him as “an amazing man, a loving husband, and father.”
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Atlanta Fire personnel arrived on the scene in about seven minutes, where they were notified Johnson was trapped in the house. An extended operation was conducted to rescue him, but that’s when they found his body.
Capt. Powell said officials described an “extremely large tree” coming down on the corner of the house on Matilda Place NW. There was an unspecified number of other people in the home at the time, but no one else was reported injured.
Reid Morton, who lives across the street, is mortified by the news.
“It’s awful and tragic. My wife met the family, and they invited us over for Sunday dinner. You know, they are just really nice people,” said Morton. “It really puts into perspective that anything can happen.”
For those who would like to support Johnson’s family during this time, click here.
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