Published February 21, 2008

Unfortunate Tragedy Claims Young Life

A 10-year-old child died Monday afternoon when a tree being cut by his step-grandfather fell on him.
David Keith Coker died at the scene following the accident that happened around 2:15 p.m. He was the son of Brian and Darlene Coker. According to sheriff and fire reports, Coker's step-grandfather was cutting trees on property near Tilley Road off the Hwy. 136 Connector when a tree fell in the wrong direction and the child ran into its path. Authorities said changing winds may have been a factor in the accident.
The sheriff's report stated, "the tree started to fall and the grandfather told the juvenile to stay but the juvenile panicked and ran. The tree fell, striking the child in the head."
Coker was a fourth grade student at Hill City Elementary. He lived with his family on Dean Mill Road.
"This is an unfortunate tragedy," said Detective Sherman McEntire with the Pickens County Sheriff's Office. "From what I understand at this point, the tree was not falling properly and the child ran into the path of the falling tree and was hit."
Coker's body was taken to the state crime lab and released Tuesday morning, according to Coroner Kevin Roper. As of press time, funeral arrangements had not been made. Cagle Funeral Home will be responsible for the arrangements.
"He was very sweet," said Crystal Pinson, Coker's fourth-grade homeroom teacher at Hill City. "He was always very helpful to me and to other students. He was just a really well-rounded kid - he was always very jolly."
Pinson, who works on the yearbook staff at the school, said the school will have a special place for him in the yearbook.
An account has been set up at Crescent Bank for the family. Donations may be made by contacting the bank.