MAN DIES IN IDLEYLD PARK FALLING INTO TREE – KQEN News Radio

July 2, 2024, 9:30 a.m.

A man from Idleyld Park died in a tree fall accident on Monday.

According to a report from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, shortly after 12:00 p.m., a woman called 911 to report that a tree had fallen on her husband in an accident on their property in the 500 block of Smith Springs Lane.

The caller said she tried to save the life of 74-year-old Daniel Deland, but was told he was dead. Fire and rescue crews arrived at the home and confirmed the death.

An officer spoke with Deland’s wife, who said he had been trying to cut down a large tree before the accident – a maple tree about 18 inches thick and 75 feet tall. The woman said she was nearby when she heard a loud bang. She went to investigate and found Deland dead, trapped under the tree. Deland’s wife said the tree was split and over a walkway on their property, and Deland had been trying to remove it.

The report said that after an examination of the tree, it was found that the interior of the tree had partially rotted and splintered as Deland dropped it. Forensic investigators arrived at the scene.