New Jersey State Park Police responded early this morning to an emergency 911 call at the Bulls Island Recreation Area at D&R Canal State Park in Hunterdon County to find that a large tree had fallen on an occupied campsite.
The Sycamore tree fell on a tent occupied by a Bound Brook, Somerset County family that had been camping overnight at the site.
State Park Police have confirmed that William Arias, 46, was struck by the tree and killed. His wife, Elcetia, 42, was extricated from the debris and was flown to a Trenton hospital. She is currently in guarded condition. Their children, a son, age 10 and daughter, age 12, and a 9-year-old cousin were not injured.
The incident occurred shortly after 6 a.m. The Stockton Fire Department and Stockton EMS arrived soon afterwards to assist in rescuing the woman and getting her medical attention. The incident was investigation by the New Jersey State Park Police, with assistance from the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office and Delaware Township Police.
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