Tree blew over in strong winds Credit: Richard Lawrence
The final part of the tree which killed a 21 year old woman in Exeter two weeks ago has been removed. Michelle Conroy, who was homeless, had been living under the tree in the city centre when it blew over in strong winds. Two men were also injured.
Tributes have been paid to a rough sleeper who died in Exeter when a tree fell on a tent she was in during the recent storms and floods.
Tributes have been left on Facebook to 21 year old Michelle Conroy, 21.
RIP babygal I will never ever forget you. You will always be the first gal I ever loved and you will always be in my heart but it should never have happened to you.
You were too young we still had a whole life to live together. And thanks to all my friends for the support and I'm sorry to all Michelle's family and friends. It was a tragic accident xxxx.
– David Browning, Ms Conroy's partner
The Rev Canon Anna Norman-Walker, a Diocesan Missioner at Exeter Cathedral, said Ms Conroy was a regular visitor to the Friday Night Cafe at St Petcock's Church. She told the Express and Echo:
Unlike many of our visitors, Michelle wasn't dependant on drugs or alcohol, neither did she have any significant mental health issues, but rather she was a young person who was a lonely soul with a sad, broken childhood who simply couldn't sustain an independent life.
The street community were her family, friends and support network. We are all terribly sad to have lost her from our 'Friday family'.
– Rev Canon Anna Norman-Walker, a Diocesan Missioner at Exeter Cathedral
Ms Conroy's family live away from Devon and are due to travel to Exeter on Friday to formally identify her
Exeter Council expresses sympathy following death of woman
Exeter City Council has expressed its sympathy to relatives and friends of the woman killed by a falling tree at the weekend.
It follows the death of a 21-year-old woman on Saturday night. The woman, who had yet to be named was killed when a tree fell on the tent that she was sleeping in on Western Way, Exeter.
The number of homeless people is, unfortunately high in Exeter. The City Council works closely with its partner organisations to ensure that help is available to everybody faced with homelessness. If people are concerned about somebody who is sleeping rough they can call our 24 hour helpline on 0800 151 3441.
– Cllr Rob Hannaford, Lead Councillor for Housing and Community Involvement
Power cables are submerged in flood water in Exeter Credit: ITV West CountryRail tracks are flooded as the flooding seeps its banks Credit: ITV West CountryAn overhead view of the flooding which has engulfed the South West region Credit: ITV West Country
David Cameron 'shocked' at flooding in the South West
The Prime Minister David Cameron has today expressed his shock at the flooding which has hit the South West. He's promised to "ensure everything is being done to help" after a woman died in Exeter.
The woman became a second victim to the horrendous weather this week. She was killed after being trapped in a fallen tree. On Thursday, a man died after his car became stuck under a bridge in Chew Stoke in Somerset.