A heartbreaking incident has claimed the life of a 45-year-old woman in Grand Bassa County.
The deceased encountered a failing tree that reportedly ended her life while she was burning charcoal in a remote area.
The victim, identified as Ruth Harris, was found lying face down beneath a fallen log in the bush where she had gone to fetch charcoal.
Authorities believe the incident occurred as she was cutting wood for charcoal production.
According to reports, Madam Harris left her home in New Buchanan, Block ‘D’ Community on Monday, March 23, 2026, heading to Gorwor’s Town to burn charcoal, but she never returned.
The sad event has elevated concern among family members.
Her disappearance was later reported to the Crime Services Department (CSD) of the Liberian National Police assigned in the area, prompting a search.
Investigators arrived at the scene approximately one kilometer from the tow; discovered a yellow wheelbarrow and pieces of wood along her path.
At the site, Madam Harris was found trapped under a heavy fallen tree, with a cutlass still under her right arm, suggesting she had been cutting wood moments before the fatality.
A button phone was also recovered from her pocket.
Authorities noted that nine bags of charcoal had already been prepared, along with several trees that had been cut or marked, indicating she had been working in the area for some time.
Health workers from the Liberia Government Hospital later arrived at the scene and officially pronounced her dead.
A fifteen-member jury, headed by James Wollo, conducted an inquest after careful examination.
The jury ruled out foul play and concluded that Madam Harris died as a result of an accidental tree fall.
Family members, including her brother Victor David, accepted the findings and requested that the body be released for burial.
Source: Zahn Dehdyugar /Ablee-Jay TV
