UPDATE: Man killed by falling tree in South Bend yard

By ERIN BLASKO, Tribune Staff Writer

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tree kills man on edison road

Emergency personnel responded to a home on Edison Road in South Bend after a tree fell on a man and killed him on Friday, October 10, 2008. (Tribune Photo/SANTIAGO FLORES)

By Beth Boehne

SOUTH BEND – A man was killed Friday when a tree he was cutting down fell on him, police said.

About 5:41 p.m., Portage Township firefighters responded to a home in the 22900 block of West Edison Road, just west of Dickinson Middle School, where they found 79-year-old Lawrence Slater of South Bend pinned beneath the trunk of a large tree behind the home, county police spokesman Sgt. William Redman said.

Several firefighters lifted the tree off of the man, but he was already dead, Redman said.

By the way Slater was positioned beneath the tree, it appeared he had been bent over cutting it and it fell directly on his back, crushing him, Redman said.

Slater was the homeowner’s brother.

Bob Danner, a neighbor, said Slater had been cutting and splitting trees in the yard for a little more than a month, and had nearly been hit by one on a previous occasion.

According to Redman, Slater had been working in the backyard most of the day Friday. Around midday, he said, Slater went home for lunch.

Later in the afternoon, Redman said, Slater's wife went to check on him after he never returned home. She found him beneath the tree and called police.

Danner said he had been home since about 1:30 p.m. and never heard a thing. He said about 3 p.m. he saw the homeowner and his wife drive off, leaving Slater alone in the backyard.

The spot where the tree fell on the man was about 100 yards behind the home, on the outskirts of a sparse grove of tall trees.

Redman said the tree was large enough that a deputy on the scene could not quite get his arms around it.

Staff writer Erin Blasko: eblasko@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6187

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 12:37 AM Anonymous wrote ...

poor guy just trying to earn an honest wage still working in his 70's instead of living on welfare and some of you are poking fun of him???shame on you he has worked more than most men and probably would have till he could not anymore sounds like he was putting a good day of work in till his demise hopefully it was quick most likely was trees are heavy, even moving the limbs is hard work for a young person let alone an elderly man, prayin for the family and wittnesses to this shocking scene

Monday, Oct 13 at 6:29 PM Think before you guys speak wrote ...

Its sad that people have to find humor and show their true ignorance in this time of grieving for the family. I mean isnt compassion something that we should all show, the family needs prayers and thoughts of condolence not this ignorant crap that some are posting. I mean think about it, if this was your father or grandfather would you really want to read this coldhearted humor and ignorance. My prayers are with the family and friends.

Monday, Oct 13 at 5:07 PM D wrote ...

prayers go out to the family.just wish more of the young people of today would go out and work as hard as this man was doing.nursing homes are where you go to die and it sounds like this guy was far from doing that.

Monday, Oct 13 at 3:00 PM Grit wrote ...

This isn't the first time I've read a stupid, off-hand remark about stuffing someone in a nursing home. Is it an evil, secret organization of perpetual children testing society to see if there is enough support to start a mandatory lock-up age? Or is it just one bitter, self-focused old man who is hoping to make his own negligent children feel guilty enough to send him to one? Hmm. Conspiracy theory or moron? Tough choice...

Monday, Oct 13 at 11:33 AM J wrote ...

Cornholefusion is at it again

Monday, Oct 13 at 11:01 AM Dont remember wrote ...

This man of 79 years was surely ok to cut a tree down. I am 89 and still cut trees down when the nurses let me.

Monday, Oct 13 at 9:08 AM R. wrote ...

Excuse me Robert CLement! I am a family member, and obviously you dont know anything. In Our family the man are in great shape for their age and stubborn as hell! Try to tell them they can not do it and they will do it anyways, the homeowners who left were in their mid eighties. It is a shame but take away their pride, and freedom to do what they want and they will be miserable. He was obviously in well enough shape to do physical things and did not need to be in a nursing home.

Monday, Oct 13 at 8:15 AM Niles wrote ...

My great grandmother is 91 ans is on the go all by herself. Just because he was 79 doesn't mean that he should have been in a nursing home. I look up to someone that was trying to get out and do something rather than lay in bed or on the couch all day.

Sunday, Oct 12 at 6:16 PM Father Loveland wrote ...

This man needs our prayers and strenght to their family. Not comments like that. Nursing homes, companions, checking on him, and not doing enough for him. He is gone to be with Jesus. God is the father of the fatherless. If he did not get help while cutting a tree and the relatives were not available, now they need confort, mercy and compassion in this very difficult time. Holy Mary mother of God pray for this family who lost a dear family member. Forgive his sins and save his soul. In Jesus nam

Sunday, Oct 12 at 3:08 AM Frank wrote ...

Mr. Slater died doing something he enjoyed, which, though tragic, we can take comfort in. God bless him and his family.

Saturday, Oct 11 at 10:11 PM wild bill..... wrote ...

and lawyers wonder why they are considered the lowest life form

Saturday, Oct 11 at 9:40 PM Paul Bunyan wrote ...

Maybe just MAYBE!! this man enjoyed cutting down trees. Just because he was 79 does not mean that he should be put in a nursing home (thats crazy). I'm sure the man probably had family to help but he did not need a babysitter. Just because the man died in an unfortunately accident does not mean somebody should be sued. Lets all say a PRAYER for the family not point the finger.

Saturday, Oct 11 at 9:21 PM Jacki wrote ...

Our hearts and prayers are with the Slater family. To a few of those who made thoughtless comments: Excuse me, but apparently some of you have nothing better to do with your time, than to make ignorant comments. This is a very sad time for Mr. Slater's family. Some seniors are very active and independent, and they can work circles around most young people. Instead of wasting your time posting ignorant comments, reach out to the elderly and use your time for something useful!

Saturday, Oct 11 at 8:36 PM deborah wrote ...

Just because he was 79, doesnt mean he need to be in a nursing home!! I hope iam a go getter at 79, you can go to the nursing home, robert!

Saturday, Oct 11 at 8:02 PM Anonymous wrote ...

As long as somebody gets sued, that's all that matters.

Saturday, Oct 11 at 7:52 PM friend wrote ...

I know the family they are very good people . My thoughts and prayers are with them in this very sad time

Saturday, Oct 11 at 5:57 PM Robert Clement wrote ...

This poor old man should have been in a nursing home. Not cutting trees that is too much to ask him to do that. Wrong pew, he was in the right pew, trying to cut an old tree that otherwise would have fallen on his roof. Then he would have more trouble fixing his house and also the tree. Some of you young people should have helped this poor grandpa to cut that old tree. Where are their relatives on all of this? Sue them? for what reason? Their relatives are to blame for this. Take them to nursing

Saturday, Oct 11 at 5:13 PM SB Lawyer wrote ...

I think his surviving spouse should sue someone, despite the saying that stupid people die in stupid ways, I'm certain that someone else is at fault...

Saturday, Oct 11 at 4:22 PM Troy wrote ...

It's George W Bush's fault.

Saturday, Oct 11 at 1:24 PM Anonymous wrote ...

This is what happens when you remove prayer from the forests.

Saturday, Oct 11 at 12:58 PM Me Myself And I wrote ...

In deed it is a shame but the ECONOMY is so screwed uped cant nobody afford anything so now we have to go back to the OLDING days and do stuff are self.It might be cheaper but also deadly

Saturday, Oct 11 at 12:52 PM Cornfusion wrote ...

Earth to Slickshooter, earth to slickshooter! Usually I would suggest you might be in the right church but sitting in the wrong pew, but I don't even see a church! Check your meds and your stories before you hit 'SUBMIT'. Thanks partner!

Saturday, Oct 11 at 11:06 AM Benton Harbor wrote ...

It's sad enough that our seniors are neglected by state services. Many seniors just do without help, not wanting to bother anyone for some type of help. My prayers are with the families.

Saturday, Oct 11 at 10:29 AM Bernie Bortnager wrote ...

Dont cut trees before you hit in the right place. It may have a hole inside it and when you start cutting it may crush you. Get an expert and a lot of help before you try to cut anything. Cut the branches before you do anything. then gather all the leaves and small branches that has fallen and at last cut the trunk and if you dont have an electric saw then get a machete that will be a lot easier. My condolences for the dead person. My priest will forward you a prayer and St. Lazarus will protect

Saturday, Oct 11 at 9:36 AM Slickshooter wrote ...

I wonder how many of there teachers are not really Blondes and What happen to there Grey Hair?

Saturday, Oct 11 at 9:29 AM Just Me wrote ...

So sad, prayers immediately for this family!

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