Toppled tree traps couple in camping trailer on Illinois River near Combs Bridge in Cherokee County

A powerful storm system sweeping through Oklahoma on Sunday night left a trail of destruction, claiming the life of a man in Cherokee County and underscoring the dangers of severe weather in the region.

The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office reported that the fatal incident occurred when a tree, uprooted by fierce winds, crashed onto a travel trailer near the Illinois River, just north of Combs Bridge.

Authorities said the victim was part of an older couple who had been camping in the trailer The storm, which brought heavy rain and gusting winds, struck suddenly, toppling the tree and trapping the couple inside.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but despite their efforts, the man could not be saved. The condition of the surviving spouse has not been disclosed, though officials confirmed that both individuals were caught in the wreckage.

The incident occurred amid a broader wave of severe weather that battered parts of Oklahoma over the weekend. According to local reports wind speeds reached dangerous levels, with gusts strong enough to down trees and power lines across multiple counties.

The National Weather Service had issued warnings for thunderstorms and high winds in the area, though the unpredictability of the storm’s intensity caught many residents off guard.