The friend left the tent to inspect a cracking noise while Wilkie remained in the tent.
“Unfortunately, when the young man left the tent, a 70-foot red oak uprooted and fell across the tent, killing the victim inside,” Hetzel-Evans said.
The camping site was off a backpacking trail in the forest, with only a fire ring and the camping tent space.
The tree was healthy, Hetzel-Evans said, but because it was tall, it was easier for its canopy to catch wind gusts, which were up to 76 mph on Wednesday afternoon. The friend was able to get help fairly quickly, with a road about half to three-quarters mile away.
Several local fire departments responded, as well as the Scioto County coroner, who determined an autopsy wasn’t necessary.
“It was an unforeseen tragic event,” Hetzel-Evans said. “It’s very sad and very difficult for the staff.”
Storm fatalities in state forests are rare and this marks the first in recent years, she said.
The forest has more than 60 miles of hiking and backpacking trails, according to the ODNR.
Contact this reporter at (513) 483-5237 or kcano@coxohio.com.
About the Author