Coroner: Wind-Blown Branch Kills Pennsylvania Motorist

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (AP) - A Pennsylvania coroner says high winds took down a tree branch that crashed through a motorist's windshield and led to his death.

Cumberland County Coroner Charley Hall said 22-year-old Shannon Lee Martin of Loysville died early Monday after going into cardiac arrest at a hospital outside Harrisburg.

Hall says Martin was driving near Mechanicsburg late Sunday night when the branch fell. It struck him in the chest, breaking his ribs and lacerating his heart.

The National Weather Service in State College says winds in the Harrisburg area were gusting to about 60 mph at the time Martin was struck.

Traumatic injuries were considered the cause of his death at West Shore Hospital.

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter