SC couple dies when tree crushes SUV near Gastonia

GASTONIA, N.C. (AP) — Authorities say a husband and wife from Clover, S.C., riding in an SUV have been killed after a sudden gust of wind during a thunderstorm knocked a tree down on their vehicle.

Crowder’s Mountain Fire and Rescue spokesman Chris Stowe said the large tree crushed the front of the SUV when it fell around 7 p.m. Friday south of Gastonia.

Authorities say 49-year-old Reginald Parham was in the front passenger seat and died instantly, while his wife, 60-year-old Arlene Parham, had to be cut from the driver’s seat. She died a short time later at the hospital.

The couple’s 22-year-old daughter was in the back seat. She survived and was also taken to the hospital.

Fire crews say it took 45 minutes to cut the victims out of the SUV.