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LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER

Parkland student struck by falling tree branch dies

A 15-year-old Parkland High School male student has died after sustaining injuries after being struck by a falling tree branch around 9:10 a.m. Sept. 26, in the area of the 1300 block of Oxford Drive, Allentown, near the Little Lehigh Parkway, according to a press release from the Lehigh County Coroner’s office.

According to Lehigh County Coroner Daniel A. Buglio, the juvenile was pronounced dead at 11:39 a.m. Oct. 25, at Lehigh Valley Hospital—Cedar Crest, Salisbury Township.

Buglio said the cause of his death was determined to be complications of multiple blunt force injuries, and the manner of death was ruled an accident.

The juvenile was reportedly in the area with members of his cross-country team at the time of the incident, Buglio said.

“As Lehigh County Coroner, I have made the decision not to publicly release the identity of this juvenile. I do not believe that releasing his name serves any meaningful public purpose at this time,” Buglio said in the news release.

“More importantly, I believe his family deserves the time, space, and privacy to grieve the loss of their loved one without additional public attention. I respectfully ask that the family’s privacy be honored during this incredibly difficult time,” he said.

“I want to personally extend my deepest and most heartfelt condolences to this young man’s family, friends, teammates, and the entire Parkland High School community,” Buglio said. “The loss of a young life is especially heartbreaking, and my thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this tragic accident. I hope his family finds strength and comfort in the love and support of those around them during this unimaginable time.”