19-Year-Old Stefany Carrillo Dies After Tree Falls in Freak Accident in Venezuela

A tragic accident claimed the life of 19-year-old university student Stefany Valentina Mata Carrillo when a sudden gust of wind caused a tree to fall on her at a sports complex in Maturín, north-eastern Venezuela.

Stefany was struck by the falling tree before she could react. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene and rushed her to a local hospital. Unfortunately, due to the severity of her injuries, doctors were unable to save her, and she was pronounced dead minutes after arrival.

She was studying physiotherapy at Rómulo Gallegos National Experimental University and originally from Ciudad Guayana.

Locals expressed grief and concern following the incident, with some blaming authorities for not removing old and dangerous trees in public areas. “Those big, very old trees need to be cut down,” said one resident, while others cautioned against rushing to remove trees, pointing out that the fallen tree was green and leafy, not rotten.

This heartbreaking event follows a similar tragedy in Essex, England, where seven-year-old Leonna Ruka died after a tree, reportedly “propped up for decades,” fell in Chalkwell Park. Leonna’s family described her as a bright, loving child who brought joy to everyone around her.

Such accidents have sparked calls worldwide for better inspection and maintenance of trees in public spaces to prevent future tragedies.