Tree Falls, Claims Life of Passenger Leaving Bible Study in Toledo

TOLEDO, Ohio — A tragic incident occurred Thursday evening when a tree fell onto a vehicle in West Toledo, resulting in the death of a passenger and serious injuries to the driver.

The two occupants were returning home from a Bible study session at Northwest Baptist Church when the accident happened around 9 p.m. The 35-year-old victim, identified as Richard Miller of Toledo, was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders.

According to officials, Pastor Andrew Edwards III, the driver and leader of Northwest Baptist Church, had just dropped off another church member before the incident. The church reported that a tree, along with power lines, fell onto their vehicle on Secor Road near West Laskey Road.

“As hard as this is to believe and share, Bro Richard was taken home to be with the Lord,” the church wrote in a Facebook post. “Pastor Edwards is in critical care, but he is stable and responsive and has movement in all extremities.”

The post also mentioned that Edwards suffered multiple injuries, including fractures to his clavicle, sternum, and a vertebra in his back, with a significant concern being a small brain bleed that medical personnel are monitoring.

Two other vehicles were reported to have sustained damage from the falling tree, but officers confirmed that no injuries occurred in those cars. Fire department officials described the incident as a “freak accident.”

A spokesperson from the church requested prayers for the Edwards family and for those mourning Miller’s unexpected passing, stating, “Please pray for Pastor Edwards’ recovery and the family. Please keep the Miller family in your prayers as they mourn the sudden loss of a beautiful life.”

City officials informed that there were no previous complaints logged about the tree, located on private property. The Engage Toledo system indicated that the tree may not have shown any signs of distress prior to this accident.