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1 Dead After Tree Falls Onto Car On Falls Road

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A horrifying accident. A woman was killed when her car was struck by a falling tree---as she was driving! Neighbors say it's a major issue in the area.

Meghan McCorkell has more on the devastating crash.

Fifty-two-year-old Rebecca Lowery was killed Wednesday morning as she drove along Falls Road in Baltimore.

It's a road that's heavily traveled by many cars but it was what was over the road that turned out deadly for one driver.

Investigators say Lowery was driving along Falls Road near Old Pimlico Road just after 9 a.m. Wednesday when a tree came crashing down on top of her Toyota FJ Cruiser.

"The tree was falling over. As the tree was falling, the car passing underneath of it was struck by the tree," said Baltimore County Police Cpl. John Wachter.

Witnesses say the tree smashed right through the roof of the car, killing Lowery. Her car veered off the side of the road.

"There's heavy damage to the top of it; however, the incident is still under investigation," Wachter said.

Investigators are looking into whether the wet weather caused the tree to come down.

Neighbors tell WJZ they've had concerns for years about the trees that line that section of Falls Road.

"You'll notice a lot of trees are leaning over sideways and it's crazy. We've had at least four trees fall in the last four years," said neighbor Larry Slavik.

Slavik wants to know why state officials haven't dealt with the dangerous situation.

"We keep on asking why don't they cut those trees back," he said.

Now neighbors say they want something done before the tragedy strikes again.

Officials at Johns Hopkins say Lowery was a valued staff member and exceptional leader for nearly 30 years there.

Falls Road was shut down for five hours as police investigated the accident.

In a statement, Johns Hopkins officials said, "Rebecca Lowery was a valued staff member and exceptional leader at Johns Hopkins for nearly 30 years. She was a colleague and friend to many all across the university. Her accomplishments live on, as will the personal impact she had on so many of us. We mourn her tragic loss and hold her husband, family and friends in our hearts."

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