The size of the tree and severe structural damage initially prevented firefighters from fully reaching the crushed section of the house.
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Firefighters found a 68-year-old woman dead inside her storm-damaged home during a second search conducted after crews removed a large tree that had crashed through the building, according to local officials and published reports.
The DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the woman as Bobbi Pettiford. Authorities said she was believed to have been alone when the tree struck her home on Bretton Woods Road during severe weather early Wednesday.
The discovery came hours after firefighters made an initial search of the property. The fallen tree had demolished part of the house, while the remaining structural damage made entry into the crushed area difficult and dangerous, officials said.
At the time of the first search, neighbors did not know whether Pettiford had been home when the tree fell. Firefighters returned Wednesday night after another crew removed the tree and opened access to areas that had been blocked by debris.
During that second search, crews reached the damaged section and located Pettiford. Fire officials had been called to the property Wednesday evening following a report of an apparent death, according to an earlier account of the response.
Officials have not released a detailed timeline showing when the tree fell, when each search began or how much time passed before Pettiford was located. They also have not publicly described whether any additional review of the emergency response is planned.
The circumstances illustrate the obstacles rescue teams can face when a large tree leaves a home unstable. Damaged roofs, walls and support structures can limit access, while the tree itself may need to be cut apart or lifted before crews can enter some sections safely.
Firefighters believed Pettiford was the only person inside the house. No other deaths or injuries were reported at the property, and authorities have not released additional findings about the circumstances of her death.
The storm also brought down trees elsewhere in the neighborhood and damaged several other homes. One resident said a tree crashed through his roof and ceiling shortly after he and others left a bedroom and headed toward the basement.
Neighbors remembered Pettiford as a kind, longtime member of the community. Amahl Lipkins, who said Pettiford lived alone and had two adult children, placed flowers, balloons and a card near the property in her memory.
The medical examiner’s identification confirmed Pettiford’s name Thursday. Officials had not announced further investigative steps or released additional information about the storm-related damage as of Friday.
Author note: Last updated July 31, 2026.