WILDWOOD, FL – A tragic accident unfolded in Sumter County when a man was killed after a tree fell onto his car while he was driving along Marsh Bend Trail, also known as County Road 501, near parts of The Villages and the Coleman Correctional Complex.

A witness driving behind the victim recounted the shocking scene that occurred Thursday. The massive tree collapsed unexpectedly, crushing the car and leaving the driver with no time to react. “I was shocked,” the witness said, adding that they narrowly avoided the same fate by stopping just short of the fallen tree.

By Thursday evening, remnants of the tree remained by the roadside, its roots towering over passersby. Local drivers expressed disbelief over the incident, noting that such occurrences are incredibly rare. One resident remarked, "You probably have a better chance of getting struck by lightning than having a tree fall on you."

Tragically, this is not an isolated incident in Central Florida. Last year, a similar accident claimed the life of a 14-year-old girl in Orange County when a tree fell on the vehicle she was riding in. These events serve as a grim reminder of the unpredictable nature of such dangers.

As of Thursday night, authorities had not released the identity of the man who perished in the Wildwood accident. Police confirmed that the tree fell naturally, and the victim was the sole occupant of the vehicle.

The community continues to grapple with the shock of the incident, with many residents now more aware of the potential hazards posed by the region’s tree-lined roads.

Man arrested after robbery and shooting spree that left one woman critical

CHICAGO, IL – A 24-year-old woman was shot in the stomach during an armed robbery early Sunday morning in the Lakeview neighborhood, according to authorities. The incident occurred on the 400 block of West Wellington, where three armed men allegedly confronted the woman and another individual. Among the suspects is 19-year-old Michael Jenkins, who has been charged in connection with the crime.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene with numerous police officers and emergency personnel responding to the shooting. “There were about 20 or 30 policemen and an ambulance,” a witness recounted. “It was a tough scene.”

Prosecutors revealed that the bullet severed an artery, causing internal bleeding. The attackers made off with the victim’s wallet, while another woman’s cell phone was also taken. While receiving treatment, the victim received alerts of both successful and declined transactions on her bank card, suggesting further misuse of her personal information.

Surveillance footage from a nearby gas station allegedly captured Jenkins and the vehicle used in the crime. Prosecutors claim Jenkins attempted to purchase $1,000 worth of sneakers online with one of the stolen credit cards. He was reportedly seen on video at various locations and admitted to being the person captured on camera.

Authorities noted that this was not Jenkins’ first alleged involvement in armed robbery. On June 9, he and another individual reportedly robbed a woman, taking her phone and wallet on the 700 block of West Roscoe. Additionally, Jenkins is accused of stealing two vehicles used in these crimes.

When approached by a robbery task force, Jenkins attempted to flee, throwing a weapon over a fence. The discarded firearm, according to prosecutors, was loaded and equipped with a laser attachment. Jenkins does not possess a Firearm Owner Identification (FOID) card or a concealed carry permit.

Jenkins is now in custody, facing multiple charges related to the recent string of robberies and the shooting. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to apprehend any additional suspects involved.