A young mother from Chilliwack has died in a tragic accident after a tree branch fell on her during a powerful wind storm on Monday afternoon. The 27-year-old woman was walking with her two young children on a popular trail near the dog park at Island 22 when the incident occurred.
Emergency Response on Island 22 Trail
Chilliwack RCMP were called to the scene shortly after 3 p.m. on December 16, 2024, following reports that a woman had been hit by a falling tree limb. Officers arrived to find that other trail users had rushed to the woman's aid and had already called 911 for emergency assistance.
Paramedics performed life-saving measures at the location, but despite their efforts, the woman succumbed to her injuries. The two children with her were not physically harmed in the incident and have since been placed safely with other family members, according to police statements.
Severe Weather Conditions and Warnings
The accident happened during a period of severe and unpredictable weather. Environment and Climate Change Canada had issued a wind alert for the region earlier that day, warning of dangerous conditions. The area was experiencing high winds combined with heavy rain at the time of the tragedy.
Environment Canada continued a special weather statement for wind across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, forecasting that strong winds were expected to persist near midnight and into Wednesday. This highlights the ongoing risks associated with such storm events in British Columbia.
Investigation and Family Privacy
The B.C. Coroners Service has launched an investigation into the death, which is standard procedure in such cases. RCMP have indicated that there is no evidence to suggest this was anything other than a tragic accident caused by the extreme weather conditions.
Police have confirmed that the family has requested privacy during this difficult time. Out of respect for their wishes, authorities will not be releasing the name of the deceased woman. The community of Chilliwack is left mourning the loss of a young mother in what authorities describe as a heartbreaking weather-related incident.
The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by falling debris during wind storms, particularly in areas with mature trees near walking paths and recreational areas.
