COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho — The family of the Post Falls woman who died over the weekend after a tree fell on her car in Coeur d’Alene have confirmed her identity.
Coeur d'Alene Firefighters found 68-year-old Diane Williams dead on Seltice Way after a tree fell on her car Saturday morning. Idaho State Police are still investigating what caused this, but the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department said there was no wind when the tree fell.
As Williams' family and friends wait for answers, they’re holding tightly to her memory.
"Truly a huge loss to our family," Williams' brother, Tom Collins said. "A great sister and a wonderful human being all her life.”
Collins told KREM 2 Williams moved to Post Falls from California six years ago. She dedicated her life to physical therapy and retired a few years ago. She was the sister to six boys.
"She was my sister and a best friend," Collins said. "She gave everything she had to life and helping others. She will be missed tremendously. We will carry her legacy with us in our hearts forever. Rest in peace my beautiful sister. I will miss you forever.”
Collins said his sister also had a great love for dogs. Shortly after retiring, Williams started a dog sitting business called “Diane’s Doghouse.” She even shared her passion with a few young girls from the neighborhood, walking the dogs together at Atlas Mill Park.
The median on Seltice Way is maintained by the city of Coeur d’Alene. City administrator Troy Tymesen said its Urban Forestry program preserves, maintains and enlarges the city’s urban forest.
But he said, "while these efforts can help minimize any danger from falling branches or trees, they cannot eliminate it entirely. Even healthy trees, with no warning signs, can come down under the wrong circumstances.”
Tymesen added the City will continue to inspect its trees, which includes examining the ground and any visible roots.
In the meantime, Williams' brother said he's grateful she didn't suffer. At this time, Williams' family is making arrangements for her funeral.
Coeur d'Alene City Administrator Troy Tymesen released the following statement:
The City extends its deep-felt condolences to the family and friends of the woman who was killed in this tragic accident on Seltice Way last Saturday.
Coeur d'Alene’s Urban Forestry program seeks to preserve, maintain and enlarge the city’s urban forest, which includes trees within the City’s right-of-way and in its parks, to optimize the benefits provided by trees. To accomplish this goal, the City has established care standards for public trees (trees growing on city-owned properties), licenses tree services, has a permit system for street trees, and provides a variety of tree planting and care information to the public. While the City’s efforts can help minimize any danger from falling branches or trees, they cannot eliminate it entirely. Even healthy trees, with no warning signs, can come down under the wrong circumstances.
The City will continue to inspect public trees, which includes examining the ground and any visible roots. The inspection considers the main vertical stem of the tree, and observes the branches and leaves of the crown, including where the branches connect to the trunk, and each branch all the way out to its tips. The City suggests that property owners get their trees checked immediately if they see -- or think they see -- any warning signs. Trees are an important part of the quality of life in our City and region.
Remembering Diane Williams
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