Wind fells tree, kills man sleeping along the Pacific Crest Trail

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Authorities in Southern Oregon say high wind toppled a tree Thursday that killed a homeless man sleeping in a tent along the Pacific Crest Trail.

The Medford Mail Tribune (http://bit.ly/12Sv4qE) reported the man's son called authorities about 5:30 a.m.

The Jackson County sheriff's office said 40-year-old Phillip Crosby complained of difficulty breathing and died shortly afterward.

The father and son were reported headed for Arizona.

The tree was described 8 inches to 10 inches in diameter, and 20 feet tall.

Clark says a nonprofit group that helps homeless youths is caring for the son, 18-year-old Alexander Crosby, until out-of-state relatives arrive.