A 10-year-old from Georgia has died after a storm blew over a large tree, sending it crashing into her home.
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According to a report by Atlanta News First, the tree smashed into a house in the Mozley Park neighborhood on Saturday night. The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department responded at around 3 AM to the 1400 block of Mims Street. When authorities arrived, they found a tree had snapped in half, falling onto the home.
The outlet explains that six people were inside the building at the time. A'erica Dixon, 10, was lying in bed with her grandmother, Priscilla Dixon, when the tree struck the property. She died from the impact. A'erica's mother and grandmother were also hurt, and Emergency Services rushed the pair to Grady Memorial Hospital. Akiylah Dixon, A'erica's sister, reportedly told the outlet, "The house just started shaking. Everything just crashed, and I just see my mama running through the hallway to get to my grandma. I broke down really bad because that wasn't just my little sister. That was my best friend."
Neighbors Were Concerned About The Tree Long Before It Fell
Atlanta News First explains that locals expressed concern about the tree owing to an incident in August 2024. The same tree reportedly split but fell toward the road instead of the Dixon home. The outlet does not say if anyone was hurt, but the piece of fallen debris was so large that it crushed a truck parked on the road. Neighbors allegedly said they noticed the tree hollowing inside as it hung over the house.
Tomeka Dixon, A'erica's cousin, has set up a GoFundMe to help with funeral costs. The post also explains that Priscilla is now paralyzed in one leg and has a broken pelvis.
Governor Brian Kemp addressed the situation on X, saying "This morning, we're saddened by the tragic passing of this young girl as a result of last night's storms. We ask that all Georgians join us in praying for her loved ones during this difficult time."
Earlier this month, another tree fell in Georgia, killing a father and son at the Bull Creek golf course. Adverse weather reportedly caught the pair by surprise, and they took shelter under a tree in their golf cart. Unfortunately, the storm toppled the tree, crushing the father and son. Columbus Emergency Services pronounced them dead at the scene.
