Ethan Ackerman.Photo:GoFundMe
GoFundMe
A college student has died following afreak accidentinvolving a tree in South Carolina.
According to the coroner’s office, the incident occurred “when one of the trees that was laying on the ground suddenly sprung back to an upright position and trapped the victim under the base of the tree.”
Ackerman, 20, was working with two friends, including one whom the coroner’s office said was the “property owner.” Both friends were “unable to move the large tree base off the victim,” they added.
The news release stated that Ackerman “sustained blunt force chest trauma resulting in traumatic asphyxiation and the manner of death has been classified as accidental.”
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A police car (stock image).Getty
Getty
Ackerman was a junior at Clemson University, where he was pursuing a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology with a minor in Forestry, per anonline obituaryfrom the Robinson Funeral Home.
“Ethan’s calling was the outdoors, and everything associated with it. Hunting, fishing and working the land was Ethan’s love,” the obituary said, adding: “Ethan was the rock of our family. His broad shoulders and massive strength allowed him to support whoever needed his embrace.”
Ackerman leaves behind his parents, siblings and various other family members — including aunts, uncles and cousins — as well as his dog Wesson.
The college student’s family, who has aGoFundMe pageset up to help them amid their loss, said memorials can be made to theCooper River Forumand theOverflow Foundationin lieu of flowers.
The Anderson County Office of the Coroner said the investigation into Ackerman’s death remains ongoing.
source: people.com
