Killed by a tree in Mont-Saint-Bruno park

A 72-year-old woman met a tragic end when a tree fell on her early Thursday afternoon in Mont-Saint-Bruno National Park in Montérégie.

The horrible tragedy occurred shortly before 1 p.m. For a reason that is still unexplained, a large tree fell directly on the victim, in front of several members of his family.

The woman had no chance. The injuries she sustained, particularly to the head, were so serious that she was pronounced dead on the scene by emergency services. No resuscitation was attempted, as it was an obvious death.

Witnesses who were with the victim at the time of the incident had to be escorted out of the park by the authorities. No one else was injured, but some suffered nervous shock.

It is not known why the tree suddenly fell in the middle of the mountains, in a place inaccessible by car.

The firefighters and paramedics had to use all-terrain vehicles to reach the victim’s body.

The coroner was due to visit the scene during the afternoon to try to establish the circumstances of this tragedy.

Managed by the Société des establishments de plein air du Québec (Sépaq), the Mont-Saint-Bruno national park, with its network of 27 kilometers of trails, is an extremely popular place not only with residents of the area, but also with hikers and outdoor enthusiasts from across the province.

“Sépaq’s heart goes out to the family and loved ones of the woman who died on the Grand-Duc trail. Sépaq employees are present and are helping to reassure and help people on site who may have witnessed the event,” said Olivia Jacques, spokesperson for Sépaq, in the afternoon.