Anaheim’s mom dies after tree fell on car while son was playing nearby

A large tree fell on a car, killing a woman who was sitting inside in Anaheim while her young son played nearby.

The woman’s husband said he parked the car under a tree because it was a shady spot and he wanted his wife to feel comfortable while she was in the car. The family stopped after church to play tennis with their 10-year-old son.

Manuel Cruz says the family of three often stopped by the tennis courts after church and parked near a large tree to enjoy the shade.

“She was a fun mom. We’ve always played together, but now I can’t because she’s already with God,” said Kevin Cruz, her son.

It’s a heartbreaking new reality for a 10-year-old boy who says he was in Pearson Park playing tennis with his father Manuel Cruz on a Sunday afternoon when he heard a loud crack.

The father immediately left the yard to find a 60-foot oak tree had fallen on their family car.

Her husband tried to move the tree but couldn’t do it on his own. His wife, 62-year-old Maria De la Luz Cruz, was in the back seat.

Authorities say she died instantly.

“We just know that an incredibly strange thing happened here Sunday,” said Mike Lister, director of public affairs for the city of Anaheim.

Regular visitors to the park on Monday ask the same question: “How did this happen?”

Lister says the arborist examined the tree on Sunday evening and found a normal flow of water.

“These trees here or the tree we took last night does not indicate that they are not thriving, living trees,” Lister said. “Just experiencing sleep in the winter.”

Anaheim Mayor Ashley Aitken released a statement saying, in part, “With regret and sympathy, our thoughts and prayers are with the family who have lost a loved one at this unthinkable time.”