Hunter Parks Fatally Crushed by Falling Oak Tree During Violent Ocala Storm: 37-Year-Old Grandview Landscaping Worker Killed Instantly on SW 46th Avenue as Colleague Escapes

On a stormy Thursday afternoon, May 29, 2025, the tranquil rhythm of a typical workday in Ocala, Florida, was torn apart by the violent snap of an aging oak tree giving way in the wind. Within moments, that thunderous sound marked the final heartbeat of 37-year-old Hunter Parks, a dedicated landscaper employed by Grandview Landscaping. He was working along Southwest 46th Avenue, just south of Silver Springs Boulevard, when a massive oak tree, weakened by high winds and drenched soil, came crashing down during a fast-moving storm system that blanketed North Central Florida.

Parks’ death has devastated his family, coworkers, and the greater Ocala community. Known for his quiet strength, steady work ethic, and kindness, Parks had only seconds to react when the tree began to fall. Although he ran in an attempt to escape—just like his partner—fate was cruelly unforgiving. While his coworker escaped harm, Parks ran in the opposite direction, directly into the path of the collapsing tree. The oak struck him with full force. He died instantly.

A Split-Second Decision Amid the Fury of Nature

It was just after 3:00 p.m. when Parks and his fellow landscaper were performing maintenance work under rapidly deteriorating weather conditions. As dark clouds gathered and wind gusts intensified, Parks and his colleague were caught off guard by the sound that every tree worker dreads: the groaning creak and abrupt crack of a tree trunk beginning to split.

According to initial reports from the Ocala Police Department and eyewitness accounts, the two men were given little to no warning. The tree, which was significantly aged and perhaps compromised at the root level due to saturated soil and decay, responded violently to the storm’s increasing pressure. As the base fractured, the canopy above began to sway ominously, and then suddenly snapped free. Parks’ coworker ran one way and managed to escape. Parks, possibly trying to avoid debris or instinctively reacting, moved in the opposite direction—toward the tree’s trajectory.

The oak fell fast and hard. Parks was crushed beneath the weight of its trunk and branches. First responders from the Ocala Police Department and Ocala Fire Rescue arrived quickly but found Parks unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Remembering Hunter Parks: A Quiet Force in the Community

Hunter Parks was more than a landscaper. Friends describe him as a dependable man, soft-spoken yet strong, who showed up every day with purpose. He found dignity in hard labor and took pride in maintaining properties across the Ocala area, working tirelessly under the Florida sun and, on that fateful day, under storm-darkened skies.

Coworkers at Grandview Landscaping, the local company where Parks had worked for several years, are mourning the sudden loss of a teammate who was as skilled as he was humble. “Hunter was the kind of guy who didn’t talk much, but when he did, you listened,” said one of his colleagues. “He worked harder than anyone I’ve ever met. He never complained. He just did what had to be done.”

Family members, too, have been left reeling. Parks was a son, a brother, and a father figure to his nieces and nephews. He loved fishing, grilling on the weekends, and was a lifelong fan of the Florida Gators. He had once dreamed of opening his own landscaping business and was slowly working toward that goal, building a solid reputation for his honesty and commitment to quality.

His sister, Amanda Parks, released a statement to local media:

“Hunter wasn’t just a worker—he was a person with dreams, with people who loved him, and with so much life ahead. This storm didn’t just take down a tree; it took our family’s heart.”

Workplace Hazards in Storm Conditions

Parks’ death underscores the severe and often underestimated dangers that outdoor workers face, particularly during storm season in Florida. Landscapers, utility crews, and construction workers are routinely exposed to life-threatening conditions as they carry out jobs that many people take for granted.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that fatal occupational injuries involving trees and forestry equipment occur with alarming regularity, especially in the South. Many of these incidents happen not during planned removals, but during maintenance or storm cleanup, when high winds and wet ground make tree structures unpredictable.

Experts emphasize the need for clear storm protocols, including real-time monitoring of weather threats, training workers on emergency response, and empowering crews to delay or halt work under dangerous conditions.

Though it is not yet clear whether Parks and his team were officially advised to stop work due to weather, his death has prompted renewed conversations in Marion County about labor safety, accountability, and enforcement.

The Storm: Nature’s Fury Unleashed

The storm that swept through Ocala and surrounding areas on May 29 was brief but brutal. Wind gusts exceeded 50 mph, according to the National Weather Service, with heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding in low-lying neighborhoods. Power outages were reported across Ocala as downed limbs and felled trees knocked out utility lines.

Emergency services in Marion County were overwhelmed with reports of falling debris, blocked roads, and property damage. Parks’ fatality was the only confirmed storm-related death in the immediate aftermath, though multiple injuries were reported elsewhere in the region.

Residents were urged to stay indoors and avoid travel during the peak of the storm, but for those whose livelihoods depend on outdoor labor—like Parks and his coworkers—such warnings often come too late or are impossible to heed.

Community Mourning and Memorial

News of Parks’ death spread quickly throughout the Ocala community. Within hours, flowers and hand-written notes were placed at the site of the accident. A makeshift memorial now marks the place on SW 46th Avenue where the tree fell, with neighbors and strangers alike stopping to pay their respects.

A candlelight vigil is being planned for the coming week by his family and employer. Grandview Landscaping has pledged to support the Parks family with funeral costs and grief counseling services for staff.

An online fundraiser created by friends of the family has already raised thousands of dollars. The campaign page describes Parks as “a humble man who gave everything for those he cared about.”

Investigations and Aftermath

As of now, no criminal investigation is underway. However, both OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and local regulatory bodies may review the incident to determine if any safety violations occurred. An autopsy has been scheduled, and a full incident report is expected to be released within the coming weeks.

City officials have also committed to assessing tree hazards in public areas, particularly in aging neighborhoods where mature oaks are common. “We’re heartbroken by the loss of life,” said Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn. “And we are committed to taking a closer look at what we can do to prevent this kind of tragedy from happening again.”

A Call for Reflection

The death of Hunter Parks serves as a sobering reminder of life’s fragility. It’s a reminder of the sacrifices made daily by workers who labor in dangerous conditions. It’s a reminder of the powerful forces of nature that can alter lives in an instant. And it’s a reminder of the importance of vigilance, preparedness, and valuing each moment we are given.

As Ocala grieves, the memory of Hunter Parks lives on—in every lawn he helped shape, every garden he helped grow, and in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His name will not be forgotten.

To support the Parks family, donations can be made through the verified GoFundMe page shared by the family. Funeral arrangements will be announced later this week. Grandview Landscaping has confirmed it will observe a day of mourning in Hunter’s honor.

If you have any information related to the incident, or if you witnessed the tree fall, the Ocala Police Department urges you to contact their non-emergency line to assist with the final report.

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