72-Year-Old Hiker Killed by Falling Tree on Appalachian Trail

On Tuesday, a hiker was struck and killed by part of a tree that fell on the Appalachian Trail, near Ashby Gap in Virginia.  The incident took place “probably a good 20- to 25-minute walk” from US Highway 50, according to Travis Sumption, chief deputy for the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office, as reported by The Winchester Star.

The hiker was identified Wednesday as Tae Sung Kim, 72, of Clifton, VA.  The death has been ruled an accident, according to the sheriff’s office.

The Star said Kim was with a group of hikers when he was hit, and a member of the group called 911.

As a result of Kim’s death, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy has issued a reminder to hikers to be careful with their campsite selection.

Although deaths related to falling limbs or trees are very rare, this is not the first time a hiker has been killed by a falling tree on the Appalachian Trail.

featured image via Reptar 

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