A 69-year-old man died Wednesday morning in Alden Township after a large tree fell on him while he was clearing snow from his property.
St. Louis County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the 7400 block of Laine Road at approximately 10:22 a.m. following a report of a medical emergency.
Upon arrival, responders determined that the victim, identified as Brian Pelander, had been fatally injured. The incident occurred during a period of high winds and heavy, wet snow that impacted the region earlier this week.
According to the Sheriff's Office, Pelander's wife located him trapped underneath the downed tree. She told authorities that she had left the residence about 45 minutes prior to the discovery. At the time she departed, Pelander was operating a snowblower on the property.
Investigators determined that the severe weather conditions caused the tree to give way and strike Pelander while he was working near it. Authorities stated that no foul play is suspected in what they have described as a tragic incident.
