13-year-old dies after tree falls onto Northeast Ohio home during storms

TRUMBULL COUNTY, Ohio (WOIO) - A 13-year-old died after a tree fell onto a home in Trumbull County during Saturday’s severe weather event.

The Trumbull County Coroner’s Office identified the boy as Brenton Hemberger.

Officials with the Warren Township Fire Department said the April 1 incident occurred at a home in the 300 block of Park Road Northwest.

Fire department officials said a large oak tree fell onto the home, which trapped the teen inside.

Officials said extrication efforts were prolonged due to the stability of the home, which sustained extensive structural damage.

Officials confirmed the teen died on the scene.

“We put a monitor on him and checked to make sure and unfortunately he had passed away,” said Warren Township Fire Chief Joe Natali.

The tragedy was painful enough, Chief Natali’s making sure his department has the resources they need to process it.

“I am setting up a critical incident stress debrief,” said Chief Natali. “There’s a team that will come out and will talk to us that we’re involved. It’s just one way to debrief and destress about it.”

As for the Hemberger family, the loss is unimaginable. However, the community’s already rallying around them.

Local restaurant “The Wagon Wheel Tavern” is hosting a benefit dinner for mom Kassie Brooks on April 29th.

The owner says they will also have a 50/50 raffle and Chinese auction, and any businesses that would like to donate can drop off items at their restaurant on 46 S Leavitt Road in Leavittsburg.

The Trumbull County Coroner is handling the investigation into the teen’s death, officials confirmed.

This is a developing story. Return to 19 News for updates.