Tree snaps, killing driver

TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) - UPDATE:  A Lafayette man is dead after a strong winds snapped a tree, causing it to fall across State Road 43 North in Tippecanoe County.

Wabash Township Fire Department Public Information Officer Kevin McCombs said the crash happened around 7:30 Tuesday night.

McCombs said when firefighters arrived on the scene in the 3500 block of 43, they found a vehicle off the road in brush and trees.

Evidence shows the vehicle was traveling southbound on SR 43 N. As the vehicle approached the 3600 block, a large tree on the east side of the road snapped at the base due to high winds and fell across the roadway. As the tree began to fall, the driver, 59-year-old Thomas O'Connor, attempted to swerve to the shoulder on the west side of the roadway. The tree fell on the passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle continued south and made a final stop on the east side of the roadway approximately 100 yards south of the tree.

O’Connor, was pronounced dead at the scene due to the injuries sustained from the accident. The passenger was a juvenile male. He was transported to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital East for treatment of minor injuries.