Paul Matvey Obituary – Paul Matvey, a 33-year-old resident of Akron, has been identified by the Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office as the individual who tragically lost his life when a tree collapsed onto a home in Akron on Wednesday. The incident unfolded on the morning of Wednesday, prompting authorities to respond to the scene located on the 400 block of Sumner Street around 10:37 a.m. Reports indicated that a severe storm had swept through the area, leading to a tree falling onto a residence.
According to information provided by the Akron Fire Department, rescue efforts were hindered by the presence of the fallen tree, which obstructed access to the house. Firefighters were unable to reach Matvey, who was reportedly located in the attic of the residence when the tree crashed into the home.
Efforts to extricate Matvey from the debris were delayed as crews awaited the removal of the tree by Barberton Tree Service. The extensive size of the tree required considerable time and effort to clear, with most of Wednesday afternoon dedicated to this task. Akron Fire Lt. Joel Price highlighted the challenges faced by crews, as the structural integrity of the home was compromised, rendering it unsafe for immediate entry. Collapsing floors further complicated the rescue operation, necessitating caution on the part of emergency responders.
Fortunately, there were no additional injuries reported as a result of the tree’s impact on the residence.
Following the removal of the fallen tree by Barberton Tree Service, the Sumner Street home was condemned and subsequently demolished. Lisa Devenport, President of Barberton Tree Service, disclosed that a portion of the tree had also landed on the adjacent house, causing minor damage. Crews from Barberton Tree Service were tasked with clearing debris from both properties, ensuring the safety and stability of the affected area.
In summary, the tragic loss of Paul Matvey serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable and hazardous nature of severe weather events. The swift and coordinated response by emergency personnel, coupled with the diligent efforts of Barberton Tree Service, underscored the commitment to ensuring public safety and mitigating further harm in the aftermath of the incident.