Girl, 9, Killed By Falling Palm Tree While Playing: Police

PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL — A 9-year-old girl died in Palm Beach County on Sunday after a palm tree fell on her while she and her friends were playing, according to authorities and a report.

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue was called to a Lake Worth Beach home shortly after 6 p.m. when a 911 caller reported that a tree fell and struck children, the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported.

In a statement emailed to Patch, a Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office spokesperson said the girl's parents told authorities their daughter and several of her friends were playing on an obstacle course strap attached between two large palm trees when one of the palm trees fell, hitting a 9-year-old boy and landing on top of the little girl.

First responders took both children to Delray Beach Medical Center, where the girl later died, police said. A third person was also taken to a nearby emergency room, the Sun Sentinel reported.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, police said.