Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Man Killed By Falling Tree In Queens As Isaias Whips Through NYC
By
Jake Offenhartz
Published Aug 4, 2020
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jake Offenhartz
Published Aug 4, 2020
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
A man in Queens was killed by a falling tree on Tuesday afternoon, authorities said, as heavy winds from Tropical Storm Isaias continued to pummel New York City.
According to police, a man in his 60s was sitting in his Dodge van on 84th Drive near Smedley Avenue in Briarwood, Queens when he was crushed by the falling tree. The victim was pronounced dead in his vehicle just after 1 p.m., an FDNY spokesperson confirmed.
The windshield of an NYPD vehicle at the scene was also damaged by a falling branch, police said. There were no injuries to the officer.
Dangerous wind gusts from Isaias have wreaked havoc across the five boroughs, downing several trees and knocking out power for more than 150,000 Con Ed customers.
Reports indicate that wind gusts reached between 70 to 80 miles per hour in the NYC area — believed to be the highest speeds since Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
All above-ground MTA service has been suspended, as have Metro North and Long Island Railroad trains.
Video captured on Long Island shows Isaias toppling a tree in real time:
Tagged
weather
storm
queens
isaias
tropical storm isaias
Jake Offenhartz
Jake Offenhartz is a former Gothamist reporter.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Queens man found dead, police say, and injured woman is his mother, neighbors say
Police are investigating a related incident in which a 62-year-old woman was found injured beneath the Van Wyck Expressway.
By
Charles Lane
Published Oct 14, 2026 at 7:39 p.m. ET
Man shot by ICE in NYC's Marble Hill said federal officers never identified themselves
The wounded man said he didn't learn ICE agents were involved until he woke up in the hospital.
By
Arya Sundaram
and
Samantha Max
News
Man shot by ICE in NYC's Marble Hill said federal officers never identified themselves
The wounded man said he didn't learn ICE agents were involved until he woke up in the hospital.
By
Arya Sundaram
and
Samantha Max
Brooklyn school dean says MTA officers assaulted him over a $3 bus fare he says he paid
By
Carol Chen
National Grid customers in NYC will see higher gas bills this winter
By
Rosemary Misdary
Bruce Blakeman joins Gov. Hochul in support for expanding NY rape law
By
Jon Campbell
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .