Woman killed in bed by falling tree, husband trapped

Authorities say a 90-foot tree fell on a house in suburban Philadelphia, killing a woman in her bed and trapping her husband beside her.

Marple Township Police Chief Thomas Murray says the beech tree apparently toppled onto the two-story home at about 6 a.m. Friday. Rescue units were called about 8:15 a.m. after a neighbor heard screams.

A crane was used to lift the tree so fire crews could cut through roofing, limbs and other debris to free the husband.

Alan Cooper was pulled from the bedroom a little over an hour later. His wife, Marjay Cooper, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The chief says Alan Cooper’s injuries didn’t appear to be serious.

A wet snow was falling but Murray says he doesn’t think the incident was weather-related. He calls it a “freak accident.”