Falling tree branch kills girl riding in car on Whidbey Island

Published 8:05 pm Sunday, December 25, 2011

CLINTON — A tree branch fell and struck a car on Whidbey Island on Sunday afternoon, killing a 9-year-old Clinton girl inside.

The girl was riding in the back seat as her family headed to a Christmas celebration, said Trooper Keith Leary with the Washington State Patrol. She died at the scene.

The driver of the car was injured and was taken by helicopter to a Seattle hospital, Leary said.

Two children in the car suffered minor injuries.

The crash happened about 12:45 p.m. along Bailey Road, south of Clinton.

The branch fell due to high winds, Leary said.