Freak accident: Tree falls onto tent at Devils Lake State Park; 10-year-old girl killed

BARABOO (WITI) -- Law enforcement officials say a father and his 10-year-old daughter became trapped early Sunday morning, June 1st when a tree fell onto their tent in the Ice Age Campground of Devils Lake State Park.

It happened around 4:00 a.m.

Officials say a 13-year-old boy was able to climb out of the tent after the incident -- but the 10-year-old girl and father were trapped.

Baraboo Fire officials were able to free the father and daughter -- but officials say the 10-year-old girl succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The father, and 13-year-old boy were taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries.

Names are being withheld pending notification of relatives.

This incident remains under investigation by the Department of Natural Resources and Devils Lake State Park.

Park superintendent Steve Schmelzer says a thunderstorm had passed through the area earlier, with wind and about 1.5 inches of rain. He says that may have weakened the tree, which otherwise appeared fully green and healthy.