Oakland

Coroner Identifies Teen Crushed By Large Tree Limb Near Children's Fairyland in Oakland

The Alameda County coroner's bureau has identified the boy who was crushed Friday by a large tree limb near Lake Merritt as Jack Lewis, 16, of Oakland.

Police and firefighters were called to the vicinity of Grand Avenue and Harrison Street — close to Children's Fairyland — just before 6 p.m. on reports that a tree limb had broken while several minors were climbing it, knocking Lewis to the ground.

He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police, who said the group was out celebrating a birthday.

By Saturday, a memorial was growing at the site of the accident. Fellow Oakland Technical High School students stopped by to pay their respects to their friend.

"You could talk to him about anything," a friend Isis Fields said.

Others described Lewis as a good friend who was easy-going and warm-hearted.

Meanwhile, Oakland's Mayor Libby Schaaf said in a statement: "Yesterday's tragic accident was a heartbreaking loss for our city, but most especially for the family and friends of the young man who was fatally injured in an accident involving a tree at Lake Merritt."

She continued: "I join with Oaklanders across our city in expressing my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of this young man who was taken too soon."

Copyright BAYCN - Bay City News
Contact Us