Tragedy has befallen the family of Samuel Ike in Umungada village, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, following the unexpected demise of a 21-year-old nursing mother.

Chinwendu Ike died as a result of her father’s head hitting her on the chest while trying to save him from death.

News Express learnt that the deceased’s father climbed a pear tree in their compound over the weekend to pluck some pears but lost his balance when the branch he was standing on gave way from its base.

Speaking to newsmen on Monday, the deceased’s mother, Franca Ike, said her daughter was inside the house when the father climbed the tree.

She said: “My daughter was attracted by the alarm raised by her father for help as he clung desperately on the fruit branch, awaiting imminent fall.

“I have severally warned my husband to desist from climbing trees on Sundays but he never heeded my advice.

“That Sunday, Samuel defied my warning. He was on the tree plucking pears when the branch he was standing on got broken.

“He fell on another branch and as he clung unto that branch helplessly, he started calling for help.”

According to Mrs. Ike, her late daughter heard the call for help and rushed out to the backyard, only to see the falling body of her father who had already slipped from the second branch he hanged unto.

“As she stretched her hands to catch him from an impending disaster, his head hit her on the chest and they both ended up on the ground.”

Ms Chinwendu was taken to a hospital in Umuchu where she was later confirmed dead.

It was learnt that the deceased was later buried in the compound even as the pear tree was subsequently cut down by the family’s kindred.

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