Woman killed by falling tree in South Bay was parent at planned hiking trip, Boy Scouts confirm

CUPERTINO, Calif. (KGO) -- A woman was killed by a falling tree during a hike in Cupertino on Sunday, officials said.

South Bay hikers in a bit of shock Sunday, after learning that a woman died when a tree fell on her at Rancho San Antonio County Park, on the Stephen E. Abbors Trail.

UPDATE: Parent killed by fallen tree during South Bay hiking trip identified by coroner's office

"It's a terrible tragedy, I heard she was with her husband and son so it's a horrible tragedy," said Warren Hargrave who was hiking in the park when we spoke with him.

"It's really pretty shocking. I've been hiking this for 20 years with my son and this park is really awesome. They're constantly trimming the trees, constantly taking care of it. I feel really bad that happened for the family," said Grail Nitsch.

The woman who died was a parent and part of a planned Boy Scouts hike, an executive confirmed Sunday evening.

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A statement by Eric Tarbox, Scouts executive/CEO, Silicon Valley Monterey Bay Council of Boy Scouts of America was sent out just a few hours after the incident:

"We are saddened to confirm one adult accidental fatality involving a tree. The deceased is the parent of a Scout and they were participating in a planned hike at the Rancho San Antonio Park.

Rangers and EMS were summoned to the scene. We will continue to cooperate with investigating authorities.

All Scouts are safe and there were no additional injuries. Our emergency response protocols and notifications are currently being followed and we appreciate privacy for the family and Scout unit as they are still being moved from the area and rejoined with their families."

The incident happened at around 10 a.m. at Rancho San Antonio County Park, according to Capt. Matt Mokhtarian with the Santa Clara County Fire Department.

He says the victim was part of a group during the hike when the incident occurred.

Capt. Mokhtarian said bystanders tried to lift the fallen tree off of the hiker, but were unsuccessful.

Firefighters were able to remove the tree off her, but she died at the scene.

The incident happened on a muddy trail about three miles away from the parking lot.

The park is open but the Abbors Trail is currently closed.

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