Couple left trapped in chairs after 70-foot tree falls through house

GRESHAM, Ore. (KPTV/Gray News) - Severe weather in Oregon caused a 70-foot tree to fall, nearly splitting a couple’s home in half and leaving them trapped in their chairs until firefighters could rescue them.

Ron and Judy Ross were trying to have a nice day at home Saturday as a winter storm wreaked havoc on the Gresham area. The couple were sitting in their living room when a tree fell through their house, nearly splitting it in two, KPTV reports.

“We were expecting to have a little bit of rain and sleet and snow and enjoy the beautiful trees that we live in,” Ron Ross said, “and one of them decided to come into our house – uninvited.”

The Rosses say they were left trapped in their chairs after the tree came through the ceiling. Though neighbors tried to help, it was firefighters who ultimately freed the couple.

“We were pinned in our chairs until the fire department got there,” Ron Ross said. “They were able to take their saws and cut a hole in the outside wall to get in... and get debris off of us so that we could climb out.”

The couple are thankful they weren’t injured in the incident.

“No scratches, no blood, no broken bones – we are very blessed,” Ron Ross said.

The Rosses plan to stay with family in Vancouver until the situation with their house is resolved.

The tree also knocked down some electrical wires and a transformer. Most of the neighborhood was without power.

Three weather-related deaths were reported in Oregon amid the storm, according to the Associated Press. Two of those involved fallen trees.

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