Family pay tribute to 'sadly missed' dad killed by falling tree as he walked his dog

A dad killed by a falling tree in last week's high winds was named today as Donald Baxter.

The 67-year-old suffered fatal injuries as he walked his pet dog through the Black Woods in Woolton six days ago.

A high branch sheared off a tree during the extremely blustery Storm Ciara conditions, and it struck him leaving him seriously hurt.

Today, his distraught family released a tribute to him, adding he would be "sadly missed."

In a statement, his relatives said: "Donald was tragically killed on the 11th February 2020, whilst walking his dog.

 

"He was loved by all of his family and friends.

The Black Woods in Woolton where dog walker Donald Baxter was killed by a falling tree branch in strong winds, and heartfelt tributes from his family at the scene (luke traynor)

"He will be sadly missed and his devoted dog Taz is being cared for by a relative.

"Funeral details will follow."

Mr Baxter used to work as an area housing manager for Liverpool Housing Department.

He was a former pupil at Woolton Primary School and West Derby Comprehensive.

The tree and the point on the trunk where the large branch sheared off and fatally struck the dog walker in Woolton's Black Woods (luke traynor)

Floral tributes have built up at the scene including a note from one of his children which read: "Wishing you peace and love dad."

Another heartfelt note added: "Dear Uncle Don, all our love, always, Julia, Sandra and Nic."

 

Well-wishers have passed on their condolences to Mr Baxter and were heartened by news his loyal dog Taz remained at his master's side until emergency services arrived.

Locals said the 67-year-old walked the same route, through the ancient and well-visited Black Woods, at the same time, most days.

The scene in Black Wood, Woolton where a dog walker was killed by a falling tree in storms. (Liverpool Echo)

The woodland remains closed off by the council, with its gates locked and a sign saying: "There is no time/date given for it to reopen."

Neighbours had repeatedly contacted Liverpool council about the state of ageing trees and claim not enough was done to prevent them from falling.

The local authority has not responded to those claims.

The Health and Safety Executive visited the scene last week and MP Maria Eagle is understood to have written letters demanding action.

Elizabeth Sorsky, 79, told the ECHO on Saturday: "This cannot happen again.

"We have lots of pupils who walk down from St Francis Xavier's College..what if one of them was to be hit?

"The council used to come and fell dangerous branches, using the wood chip for paths in the wood, but not any more."