On Sunday, February 16, 2025, at approximately 1:10 pm, Tucker County 911 received a call of a tree limb breaking off a standing tree and striking a 14-year-old juvenile female, according to a press release from the West Virginia State Police.

At approximately 1:27 pm, CPR was started on the juvenile, and a short time later, she was declared deceased by EMS personnel on scene.

The juvenile was riding the conveyor belt to the top of the Blackwater sled run and was approximately 75 yards from the top when the tree limb broke free and fell. The juvenile was struck in the head by an approximate 14-foot section of tree.

Upon S/Tpr. C. A. Hawkin’s arrival on scene, the juvenile had been moved from the scene and taken to the lodge area and then on to Davis Memorial.

Initial investigation has revealed that extreme high winds may have contributed to the limb being dislodged. The parents of the juvenile were present during the incident.

This investigation is ongoing.