A Pennsylvania mother was tragically killed after being struck by large tree branches while watching her 16-year-old daughter at a softball showcase event in McKeesport.
Gendie Miller, 49, had sought shade beneath a tree on a sweltering summer evening when a sudden, catastrophic collapse of several thick branches ended her life in front of her husband and daughter.
“Let’s go”: A moment before disaster
On Wednesday, July 23, Gendie and her husband of 17 years, Bill Miller, were seated under a large tree at Renziehausen Park. Their daughter Marlee was taking part in the Western PA College Showcase softball camp — a pivotal event with college coaches in attendance, the New York Post reports.
Temperatures were in the 90s, and like many other parents present, they had moved to the shade for relief.
Around 7:00PM, Bill heard a cracking sound overhead.
“I said to my wife, ‘Let’s go.’ I jumped out of my chair, felt a small branch of some sort that grazed my leg. And I immediately turned to my right to look back at her, and she was face down with large, multiple branches and limbs,” Bill told WTAE.
Several branches — some as thick as 10 to 12 inches — had suddenly snapped and fallen directly on Gendie, striking her head and knocking her unconscious.
Bystanders rushed to lift the heavy limbs off her as emergency services were called.
A devastating accident
Paramedics arrived swiftly and transported Gendie to Forbes Hospital Trauma Center in Monroeville, while trying to determine if her condition warranted an airlift to Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh. However, before she could be moved further, Gendie stopped breathing. She was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at Forbes Hospital.
“It was devastating,” Bill said. “To be so traumatic, and with the heavy load of the type of branch and limb, it was devastating. And I can tell you that she didn’t die from her heart, because her heart’s too big.”
“She would never miss a practice or an event”
Family, friends, and the local softball community are mourning the loss of a woman remembered as deeply devoted to her daughter and family. Bill described Gendie as someone who “would never miss a practice or an event—high school, travel ball, whatever it was.”
“She would give you the shirt off her back,” he added.
Their daughter, Marlee, remains in shock. “She is being very strong,” said Bill. “And, you know, worried about that, just as I’m worried about her.”
A community responds with grief and support
In the wake of the tragedy, Marlee’s coach from her Nitro Fastpitch travel softball team launched a GoFundMe campaign to help the family navigate the financial burden. As of this writing, the fundraiser had garnered over $49,000 in donations.
“While watching their daughter Marlee perform multiple drills before scrimmaging in front of college coaches, they decided to sit under a large shady tree since temperatures were in the 90s,” the description on the campaign reads. “Suddenly, the tree started to make cracking noises and a very large branch fell, striking Gendie in the head, knocking her unconscious to the ground, and entrapping her under the tree.
“Emergency services came, rushed her in an ambulance to Forbes Hospital Trauma Center in Monroeville to evaluate whether or not they could handle the situation or life flight her to Presbyterian in Pittsburgh. Before they could get to Forbes, she stopped breathing and was pronounced dead on arrival.”
“Between medical/ambulance bills, funeral items, and initial lost wages, Bill and Marlee could use all the help they can get,” the campaign adds. “Although it doesn’t bring back their loved one, it takes a little bit of the burden off of coming up with funds they don’t have right now for something so sudden and unexpected.”
City officials and bystanders speak out
McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko issued a statement following the tragedy, per PEOPLE: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. An evening that started like any other, with families and friends gathered in the park for a game, has ended in tragedy after this horrible accident.”
Local officials have not released information regarding what caused the branches to fall, and no foul play is suspected. However, the incident has prompted calls for closer inspection and maintenance of public park trees, especially during extreme heat conditions.
The city is not currently under any known tree-related hazard advisory.
Remembering Gendie Miller
Those who knew Gendie describe her as a warm, selfless, and ever-present figure in her daughter’s life. Her tragic passing has resonated not only within her community, but across the softball world.
“She was just that type of mom,” said Bill. “That was who she was.”
Our thoughts go out to Gendie’s family, friends, and loved ones at this time.
