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Three killed by falling trees as life-threatening storm batters California

The 82-year-old’s death comes amid dangerous storms across the state

Julia Reinstein,Mike Bedigan
Monday 05 February 2024 22:01 GMT
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California reels from powerful storm

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Three people have been killed by falling trees amid dangerous storms in California.

Police were called to a home in Yuba City on Sunday evening in response to reports that a tree had fallen on a person, the Yuba City Police Department said in a Facebook post.

Officers who arrived at the address found a man “lying underneath a very large redwood tree in his backyard.” Emergency responders attempted lifesaving measures, but were unable to revive him. Law enforcement officials identified the deceased man to ABC 10 as David Gomes, 82.

Mr Gomes is believed to have been using a ladder and attempting to clear the tree away from his home when it fell. A neighbor who reported the incident last saw him around 3pm that day, and heard the tree fall around 5pm.

“This was an unfortunate accident and our condolences are with the male’s family and friends,” police said.

Three people have now been confirmed killed as the storms continue to rage
Three people have now been confirmed killed as the storms continue to rage (AP)

Elsewhere on Sunday a 41-year-old man was killed in Sacramento County. The man, named as Chad Ensey of Carmichael, died at his home due to blunt force injuries, a spokesperson for the county said, per ABC10.

A tree also fell onto a home in Boulder Creek, California, and killed one of the residents inside.

Police were also called to a home in Yuba City on Sunday evening in response to reports that a tree had fallen on a person, the Yuba City Police Department said in a Facebook post.

Since Sunday, California has been experiencing severe storms, including heavy rain, snow, and wind.

Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a state of emergency for eight counties, which include Los Angeles and San Diego.

Roadways all across the state are flooded, and hundreds of thousands of people are without power.

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