Victim ID'd In Fatal Tree Crash During Storm At Mother's Day Party In Passaic

A 36-year-old New Jersey man was killed and six others were injured on Mother's Day when they were struck by a falling tree during a fast-moving storm, authorities said.

Jorge Morales-Suarez of Passaic was sitting inside a tent in a backyard of the Passaic home, celebrating Mother’s Day with family and friends around 4:58 p.m. when the tree cracked in half and crashed on him, according to city officials.

Morales-Suarez was pronounced dead at St. Joseph's Hospital in Paterson. Six other people inside the tent were injured, officials said, and neighbors tried unsuccessfully to free the man because he was trapped under the weight of the tree

Police say lighting struck the tree at 375 Paulison Ave. just before 5 p.m., causing it to come crashing down, according to Passaic Mayor Hector Lora. A total of six people were rushed to St. Joseph’s Hospital

Lora said the Morales-Suarez was at the party with his wife and two children, and his wife was also hospitalized. No children were injured during the incident, but just before the storm, children were playing in the area

"We are a community in shock and mourning from the loss of a resident on a day we celebrate families and mothers," Lora told The Record and other media. "Continue to pray and continue to support the family."

Five people were taken to St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center and one was transported to St. Mary's Hospital, according to The Record. The victims' injuries ranged from critical to minor.

We'll have more information as it becomes available.

CORRECTION: Mayor Hector Lora, Patch and other news publications incorrectly identified the age of the victim. He is 36.

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