Queensland woman killed by falling tree branch was feeding her horses moments earlier – as husband makes heartbreaking tribute
A grieving husband has paid a heartfelt tribute to his wife who died in his arms after being struck by a falling tree during a massive storm in Queensland.
Joy Greenwood, 70, died on Friday evening after a tree fell on her at her home on Qually Road in Lockyer Waters, about 93km west of Brisbane.
Emergency services were called after Mrs Greenwood was hit by the tree just before 6pm.
Queensland Police said the 70-year-old grandmother had life-threatening injuries when they arrived on the scene.
Mrs. Greenwood was feeding her horses and on her way back to the house when she was killed.
Colin Greenwood (pictured) tragically lost his wife Joy on Friday when she was killed after a tree fell on her during a severe storm in Queensland’s Lockyer Valley
Mr Greenwood shared a heartfelt message on social media following his wife’s death
Paramedics worked for more than an hour to save Ms Greenwood, but her injuries were too serious and she could not be resuscitated.
Mrs Greenwood’s husband, Colin, shared a heartbreaking message on Facebook on Saturday, saying his “best friend and life partner of 35 years” died in his arms.
“Joy was tragically killed yesterday afternoon during an unexpected hail and wind storm while feeding her horses,” he wrote.
‘On the way back home a large gum tree was uprooted and hit my beloved Joy. She died in my arms.’
Mr and Mrs Greenwood had lived in their Lockyer Waters property for more than 30 years after purchasing it in 1989.
Mr and Mrs Greenwood’s daughter, Nicole Jeeves, said her mother was feeding her horses when the tragic incident unfolded.
“She loved horses all her life… she died while she was feeding her horses when the wild wind came up,” she told The Courier-Mail.
“She wanted to come in, but she couldn’t make it… when she didn’t come back in, my dad went looking for her and found her.”
The severe storm blanketed the Lockyer Valley region with huge hailstones and left more than 2,000 people without power
Lockyer MP Jim McDonald also shared his condolences on social media.
‘Colin, our deepest condolences for this tragic loss! All our love Jim and Deb,” he wrote.
Friends and family reacted devastatingly to Mr Greenwood’s emotional Facebook post.
“Mate, it’s hard to read those words, I’m shocked to hear this terrible news,” said one.
“Aunt Joy had a heart of gold,” wrote another.
“My heart breaks for you and our family. Just know that you comforted her and that she loved you deeply. May she rest in peace.’
While another said Mrs Greenwood would be remembered ‘for her passion and love of animals’.
“She was a heroine to many animal lovers, always in our hearts,” they said.
The Bureau of Meteorology said wind speeds of up to 87km per hour were recorded during the storm
The massive storm that toppled the tree had blanketed the Lockyer Valley region in huge hailstones and left more than 2,000 people without power.
The Bureau of Meteorology said wind speeds of up to 87km per hour were recorded during the storm.
As much as 22mm of rain fell in just 10 minutes in the rural town of Laidley, and SES were called to 20 calls for help in the Lockyer Valley area.
Queensland Police will prepare a report into Ms Greenwood’s death for the coroner.