Luisa Santos Obituary, Death; – A woman in Florida tragically lost her life when a tree fell on her during the celebration of her 73rd birthday, following Hurricane Milton.
Tampa police officers were dispatched to the 2800 block of N. Nebraska Ave at approximately 11 a.m. local time on Thursday, October 10, in response to reports of a large tree branch that had collapsed, as stated in a police department release obtained by NEWS CHAIN. Upon arrival, officers discovered the woman beneath the fallen tree limb, and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
The deceased has been identified as Luisa Santos, who had recently relocated to Tampa after spending 20 years in the United States, according to her daughter, Wendy Tantozo, who spoke with ABC affiliate WFTS-TV. Tantozo mentioned that her mother had begun cleaning up the area prior to the arrival of a tree service to ensure the safety of residents at Oakland Manor Assisted Living.
“One of the branches was hanging, and she continued to cut the lower part that was touching the ground,” stated Tantozo’s husband to the news station. He added that the tree subsequently “just fell on top” of her mother.
Tantozo expressed that her mother was “so happy” the day after the storm, with many people extending birthday greetings to her. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office indicated that her death appears to be accidental. “Our thoughts are with the family as they grieve their loved one,” remarked Chief Lee Bercaw in the statement obtained by NEWS CHAIN.
The Tampa police are currently conducting an investigation. At least 16 fatalities have been reported following Milton’s landfall near Siesta Key on Wednesday, October 10, as a Category 3 storm. Further information on how to assist can be found here.
