‘Freak storm’ topples tree onto home, killing man inside, Georgia family says
A man was killed after intense storms toppled an “extremely large tree” onto his Georgia home, the man’s family and Atlanta Fire Rescue officials told news outlets.
The tree fell around 5 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 16, and crashed through a bedroom of the family’s home in Atlanta’s Grove Park neighborhood, according to city fire officials.
“Unfortunately, a male patient was struck by the tree while lying in his bed,” the fire department said, adding that the man “succumbed to fatal injuries.”
His wife identified him as Edward Johnson, according to WSB-TV.
A GoFundMe started by the family described the “freak storm” that caused the tree to fall and said Johnson was “crushed underneath it.”
“He was an amazing man, a loving husband, and father,” his daughter, Tamaya Jones, wrote.
Severe storms moved into the area early Feb. 16, prompting a severe thunderstorm warning with risk for pea-sized hail and 60-mph winds, the National Weather Service said.
Johnson’s wife, Diane Jones, recalled hearing a rumble of thunder before their home began to shake.
“I put my arms around him and I said, ‘Come on Sweetheart, it’s time for us to go,” she told WSB-TV. “And before I said the last go, the house fell down on top of both of us.”
The tree landed on a corner of the home, WXIA reported, citing Capt. Scott Powell with Atlanta Fire Rescue. Crews learned there was someone trapped inside, prompting a search and rescue effort.
That’s when they discovered the Johnson’s body, Powell told the station.
Authorities said multiple people were in the home at the time, but no other injuries were reported, according to WAGA.
This story was originally published February 17, 2025 at 1:37 PM with the headline "‘Freak storm’ topples tree onto home, killing man inside, Georgia family says."