Clemson student dies in accident while cleaning tree debris
ANDERSON, S.C. - A Clemson University student died in a tragic accident over the weekend while trying to clean up storm debris.
Ethan Alexander Ackerman, 20, was working with two friends, including the property owner, trying to clean up a large area of debris where several large trees had been uprooted.
But one of the trees crushed Ackerman.
It happened around 8 a.m. Saturday on McGee Road off Highway 81 North, according to authorities.
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The coroner said one of the trees lying on the ground suddenly sprang back to an upright position and trapped the victim under its base. Ackerman’s friends were unable to move the tree themselves.
Officials said first responders removed the victim from under the tree, but he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on the scene.
The coroner said the victim suffered blunt force chest trauma resulting in traumatic asphyxiation. The manner of death has been ruled accidental.
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