March 26, 2024
64 year old Raymond Howard was struck in the head by a large falling tree limb as he climbed the steps into his residence on Old Montgomery Highway in Centreville yesterday. Bibb County Coroner Patrick Turner said that it appeared Mr. Howard had just arrived at his home, was walking up steps to the front entrance with his keys in hand when the large tree limb struck him in the head, killing him instantly.
The unfortunate incident occurred around 6 p.m. during a period of high, gusty winds in Bibb County that may have reached peak speeds in excess of 31 mph yesterday afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service data. A passerby saw the victim down and alerted authorities.
Bibb County EMA director Kirk Smith said that there were no reports of county wide significant storm damage following yesterday’s high wind events. Smith reminded us of the wise practice of tree maintenance in the area of buildings and homes. Smith said that during the last round of tornadoes and high winds a number of citizens were trapped inside of storm shelters because of falling limbs blocking their exits. Some had to wait to be extracted until trees and debris could be removed.
