Shelley VanDyke dies in fatal Hocking Hills uprooted tree incident

Shelley VanDyke dies in fatal Hocking Hills uprooted tree incident

Fatal Hocking Hills uprooted tree death of Shelley VanDyke

HOCKING COUNTY, Ohio — A 69-year-old Michigan woman has died after being hit by a tree that was pulled from the ground during heavy rain in a popular hiking area. The incident occurred at Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve on Tuesday afternoon.

Preliminary reports indicate the death happened around midday when an uprooted tree fell on the person. The Hocking County Coroner’s Office confirmed the identity of the deceased as Shelley VanDyke from Ada, Michigan. Details about the circumstances surrounding the death were not immediately available to the public.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene on the Lower Rim trail around noon, but tragically, the outcome was already determined. Authorities stated the tree was dislodged due to the intense weather conditions that caused widespread flooding across the county.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has taken over the investigation to determine if the incident was accidental or related to any potential safety issues with the park trails. Officials are examining whether the tree uprooting was a natural occurrence or if human factors played a role.

This tragic event unfolded during a period of significant flooding in Hocking County, prompting several trail closures. The state park announced via social media that almost all trailheads experienced flooding, and visitors were strongly advised to avoid hiking until conditions improved.

The closure of key trails, including Old Man’s Cave Gorge and Conkle’s Hollow, has restricted access to parts of Hocking Hills State Park. Park officials emphasized the importance of safety and urged hikers to wait for better weather before venturing into the affected areas.

Residents and authorities continue to monitor the situation, with flood warnings in effect until late Tuesday afternoon. The ongoing investigation may provide more answers in the coming days, but for now, the community mourns the loss and reflects on the dangers of extreme weather.