Officials: Biltmore worker dies after tree falls during strong winds

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — A Biltmore Estate employee was tragically killed this past weekend after a tree fell during high winds.

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According to Channel 2′s ABC affiliate WJBF, Asheville Fire and Rescue and Buncombe County EMS, along with several law enforcement officials responded to Biltmore Estate Saturday afternoon.

The estate shared in a Facebook post that it was experiencing power outages, due to the high wind warning that was in place until midnight on Saturday.

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Biltmore officials said, due to the high wind gusts, a tree fell, killing one of their employees.

With respect to the employee’s privacy, the organization has not released the employee’s identity.

A Biltmore spokesperson stated that they are providing support and offering help to the employee’s family during this time.

The estate released the following statement to WJBF:

“This tragedy is devastating to all of us on the Biltmore team and we all feel the weight of this heartbreaking event. We are offering assistance to the family at this time and providing support to our employees who are impacted by the death of their friend and co-worker.”

As of Tuesday, the Biltmore has since reopened.

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