On Wednesday, Maisie Evans, a 32-year-old mother, was left paralyzed after a tree fell on her vehicle in the Lakewood neighborhood of Dallas. The incident occurred near Wendover Road and Sperry Street, where a large chinquapin oak fell onto her Porsche SUV, causing severe injuries.
The tree’s fall resulted in a spinal cord injury for Evans, who is currently in the neuro ICU. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist with her medical expenses and future needs, as she is a mother to a six-month-old baby.
Eyewitness Dan Flick was among the first to arrive at the scene. He described the chaotic aftermath, noting the presence of sparking electric wires and exploding connectors. Despite the severity of the accident, Evans did not show immediate signs of pain, Flick mentioned.
The property owner, Dan Patterson, expressed his shock upon learning about Evans’ injuries. Patterson, who is the chairman of the Texas Trees Foundation, stated that his trees undergo regular maintenance but acknowledged the unpredictability of such incidents. He speculated that the recent abundance of rain, which causes the trees to bear a heavy load of nuts, might have contributed to the tree falling.
Certified arborist Steve Houser advised that while regular maintenance can reduce risks, it cannot completely prevent such occurrences. Trees of medium to large size should be inspected annually to minimize potential hazards.
The incident has prompted a community response to support Evans and her family. As the investigation continues, efforts to provide necessary care and rehabilitation for Evans are underway. The Austin Police Department is actively investigating the incident and reviewing all available evidence.