A 69-year-old man tragically died Wednesday morning in northeastern Minnesota after being crushed by a large tree while snowblowing near his home. The incident occurred around 10:22 a.m. at a residence off Laine Road in Alden Township, about 12 miles northwest of Two Harbors.
According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, the man’s wife had left the house for about 45 minutes. She last saw her husband outside, clearing snow around the property. When she returned, she found him trapped under the fallen tree.
Sheriff’s deputies reported that high winds and heavy, wet snow caused the tree to collapse while the man was snowblowing, fatally injuring him. Authorities emphasized that no foul play is suspected and described the incident as a tragic accident.
The region had been hit by an overnight snowstorm that brought several inches of snow to the area. Duluth International Airport, located about 28 miles southwest of Alden Township, recorded more than 10 inches of snowfall. Strong wind gusts continued into Wednesday, reaching speeds of up to 45 miles per hour, creating dangerous conditions across the region.
The heavy snow and wind not only contributed to this fatal accident but also caused other problems in the area. In Duluth, the popular Bentleyville Tour of Lights sustained significant damage due to the storm and temporarily closed. Organizers said cleanup was made difficult by the continued strong winds.
Incidents like this highlight the risks that winter weather can pose, especially when combined with falling trees and slippery conditions. Residents are advised to exercise caution during storms, particularly when engaging in outdoor activities like snowblowing or clearing snow around trees and large branches.
Tragically, accidents involving falling trees are not uncommon during heavy snowstorms. Wet, heavy snow can weaken branches and uproot trees, while strong winds can make already precarious trees fall unexpectedly. Even experienced homeowners taking routine precautions can be vulnerable under such dangerous weather conditions.
The local authorities urged residents to remain aware of their surroundings and avoid working near trees during periods of high wind or after heavy snow accumulations. Snow removal, while necessary, can be risky when combined with unstable trees, ice, and strong gusts of wind.
Family, friends, and neighbors have expressed their condolences to the man’s wife and family. The sheriff’s office described the event as a devastating loss for the community and reminded residents to take precautions during harsh winter weather.
As winter storms continue across the region, the combination of snow, wind, and icy conditions is creating hazards for many households. Emergency services continue to respond to weather-related incidents, and local authorities advise people to stay safe by avoiding unnecessary outdoor work during severe conditions.
This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers that winter weather can pose, particularly when it comes to outdoor activities like snowblowing around large trees. Residents are encouraged to plan carefully, assess risks, and seek help if needed when dealing with heavy snow or fallen trees.
