Man killed by falling tree limb on Key Peninsula is identified
A Gig Harbor man killed by a falling tree branch while clearing his driveway during a windstorm has been identified.
About 4 p.m. Tuesday, 30-year-old Dale McCracken was using a tractor to remove storm debris and clear a path on his driveway so he could drive to work when a tree limb fell and struck him in the head.
At the time, winds were gusting 35 to 45 mph.
His girlfriend went to check on him and found him lying next to the tractor and a large branch, according to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department.
The branch was estimated to be 7 feet long and 6 inches thick, and fell about 50 feet.
McCracken was pronounced dead at the scene.
“He was truly an open book, loved by all, and always welcoming to anyone new. He was tenacious in his ventures and brought an undeniably fun and engaging energy to everything he did. Dale was the light to brighten up anyone’s day with endless entertainment, laughter and unwavering love,” according to a GoFundMe page raising money for funeral costs.
This story was originally published October 15, 2020 at 11:51 AM.
