Mother, 5-month-old child killed by falling tree on Vancouver Island

A small community on Vancouver Island is shaken after a 26-year-old woman and her five-month-old child were killed by a tree that fell on a beach Thursday afternoon.

In a written statement, RCMP said the incident unfolded at Comox Lake in Cumberland, a village of around 5,000 people located about 225 kilometres northwest of Victoria, shortly before 2 p.m.

"Despite the efforts of first responders, the young mother passed away at the scene," RCMP said.

"The infant was transported to hospital but sadly did not survive."

The tragedy took place at the Cumberland Lake Park Campground, a popular recreation area that includes a public beach. 

Bystanders help out

Deputy Fire Chief Stephane Dionne of Cumberland Fire Rescue said when crews arrived on the scene, people were doing CPR on the two patients.

Firefighters took over until the ambulances came.

Dionne said the people who were there before the crews were doing "everything in their power" to help, and he thanked them for their efforts.

He said there is no concern around the lake.

"It just happened to be one of those incidents that you cannot control," Dionne said. "But normally those areas are really safe."

The area was roped off Friday morning as police continued their investigation and park staff removed the tree. It was cleared by noon. 

The investigation is being handled by Comox Valley RCMP and the B.C. Coroner's Service.

'A rough couple of days'

Cumberland Mayor Vickey Brown said people in her community are devastated and concerned.

Despite the heat before a long weekend, the beach was relatively quiet Friday morning. 

"It's been a rough couple of days," Brown said, wiping away tears. "Just really sad for the family — a young woman and her baby. And no one ever wants to see that."

Brown says the lake is Cumberland's main recreation location, especially during hot weather like it has been in the area for the past few weeks. 

The tragedy is compounded by a recent wildfire in the area, and before that, a 17-year-old boy who died while cliff jumping at the lake. 

"It's been a hard summer," she said. 

The park is managed by the Lake Park Society at Comox Lake, Brown told CBC News, which does have a policy to review the health of its trees. Brown said that policy is now under review.