Cedartown High School student killed in tree removal accident

On Wednesday, May 8, 2024, Haralson County Sheriff’s Office investigators were dispatched to Salem Church Road in Tallapoosa in reference to a death investigation. Sergeant. Bobby Mullenix was the lead investigator on the call. The investigation revealed that a tree care service had been working on the property for several days. On Wednesday afternoon, they were attempting to cut down a tree when it twisted and fell the wrong way. As the owner of the tree service was inspecting the tree, he noticed his 16-year-old son, identified as Hunter Barrett of Cedartown, under part of the tree. Barrett had previously been in a vehicle and no one knew he had moved.

The call went to the Haralson County E-911 dispatch center at 2:33 p.m. and a full response was sent to the address. Unfortunately, life-saving measures were unable to help the Barrett and the coroner and investigators were called to the scene.

“This was just a terrible, tragic accident,” said Sheriff Stacy Williams. “Accidents like this are difficult to deal with when an adult is involved, it is much worse when it is a child.” I would like to thank all the agencies that were involved yesterday. Please join us in praying for his family during this difficult time.”