A girl was killed and four others were injured while riding in an SUV that was struck by a heavy tree branch. The accident occurred as high winds hit the Washington area.
Tobiah Leonard, a nine-year-old girl, was killed about 12:45 p.m. Christmas Day when a 15-foot tree branch about one-foot in diameter fell onto the roof of a Ford Explorer traveling in the 7500 block of South Bailey Road, South Whidbey, Washington. Tobiah Leonard’s father, who was sitting in the passenger seat, suffered a broken neck, and was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle and listed in serious condition. Tobiah’s mother, who was driving, was not injured. Tobiah’s sisters, age 18 and age 12, were transported to Whidbey General Hospital with minor injuries. Tim Leonard was initially transported to Whidbey General Hospital and later airlifted to Harborview Medical Center.
Wind gusts of 53 mph were reported in the area. Almost 40,000 electric customers lost power during the high winds.