OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Ocala Police Department (OPD) is investigating after a section of an oak tree fell over, killing a lawn service worker on May 29th.

OPD identified the victim as 37-year-old Hunter Parks, who had been performing yard work at Matheny Fire & Emergency, located at 725 SW 46th Ave. in Ocala.

According to police, Parks and a coworker were near the tree during a thunderstorm when they heard it begin to crack and ran to find shelter. The coworker ran in one direction, while Parks ran in another, unknowingly placing himself in the path of the falling tree.

Falling oak tree splits in half and falls in the middle of the road in Ocala
The large oak tree split in half, falling down on top of a lawn service worker. Courtesy: OPD
Falling oak tree splits in half and falls in the middle of the road in Ocala
Courtesy: OPD

First responders arrived around 2:57 p.m. and pronounced Parks dead at the scene. Emergency crews worked late into Thursday night to clear the tree from the road. His family was notified, and his body was released to the Medical Examiner’s Office.

OPD released a statement on Parks’ death, saying, “Our hearts go out to the victim’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Parks was a landscaper for Grandview Landscaping Services.

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