Expand / Collapse search
☰

Florida landscaper dies after tree falls during storms, police say

By
Published  May 30, 2025 1:19pm EDT
Marion County
FOX 35 Orlando
Florida landscaper dies after tree falls during storms

Florida landscaper dies after tree falls during storms

A Florida landscaper working for Grandview Landscaping Services was killed Thursday afternoon when a large oak tree fell during severe storms in Marion County. Police identified the victim as 37-year-old Hunter Parks. It's unclear exactly what caused the tree to fall – whether it was due to wind, rot, lightning, or another storm-related factor.

The Brief

    • A Florida landscaper has died after a tree fell on him during Thursday's storms.
    • Police identified the victim as 37-year-old Hunter Parks.
    • Parks was with a coworker when the incident happened.

OCALA, Fla. - A Florida landscaper working for Grandview Landscaping Services was killed Thursday afternoon when a large oak tree fell during severe storms in Marion County, authorities said.

What we know:

Just before 3 p.m., first responders were dispatched to 725 SW 46th Avenue in Ocala after reports of a tree collapsing on a person.

When they arrived, emergency personnel found 37-year-old Hunter Parks deceased at the scene.

According to the Ocala Police Department, Parks and a coworker were near the tree when they heard it begin to crack. 

VIDEO: Tornado forms off Florida highway in St. Johns County

Both attempted to flee in opposite directions, but Parks ran into the path of the falling tree, police said. 

Emergency crews have since removed the tree from the area.

What we don't know:

It's unclear exactly what caused the tree to fall  – whether it was due to wind, rot, lightning, or another storm-related factor.

STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO:

The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the Ocala Police Department on May 30, 2025.

Marion CountyOcalaNews