Nationwide — A devastating tragedy struck a southwest Atlanta neighborhood early Saturday morning when a massive tree crashed through the roof of a family’s home, killing 10-year-old A’erica Shukai Dixon while she slept. The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. on Mims Street near Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, following powerful storms that swept through metro Atlanta and north Georgia. A’erica, affectionately known as “Tink,” was in bed with her grandmother when the tree fell, causing catastrophic damage.According to 11 Alive, six people were inside the home when the tree collapsed, including A’erica, her mother, grandmother, and three siblings. Both her mother and 63-year-old grandmother were taken to the hospital with serious injuries. Family members say the grandmother suffered a crushed pelvis and now faces paralysis in one leg. A’erica’s mother had to be sedated after experiencing extreme shock.
The child’s 14-year-old sister, Akiylah Dixon, recounted the heartbreaking moment she realized she couldn’t rescue her younger sister. “There was a hole in the ceiling. The tree was in between them, and my sister was stuck inside the bed,” she said tearfully. “We couldn’t get her out or nothing, and I just saw her not talking.” The family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses.
Relatives say they had previously expressed concerns about the safety of the tree. A large branch reportedly snapped off during Hurricane Helene in 2023, nearly hitting the family’s SUV. According to family member Erica Melson, they had notified the landlord about the danger, and someone had initially arrived to assess the situation. However, the tree was never removed. “They were supposed to come back and cut the whole entire tree down,” Melson said. “No one ever came back.”
Officials have since contacted the American Red Cross to provide support for the displaced family, who are now mourning the loss of a bright and joyful child. A’erica was known for her love of dancing, cheering, playing with toys, and making TikTok videos. Her cousin, Tomeka Dixon, described her as a “very happy child” who had been grieving the loss of her father, who passed away two years ago. “Her death was unexpected, and now we have to ask for help,” she wrote on the family’s fundraising page.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp issued a statement on Saturday morning, expressing condolences to A’erica’s family. The landlord has yet to respond to multiple inquiries about the safety complaints filed before the incident. As the community grieves, A’erica’s memory lives on in the hearts of those who loved her, and the family continues to seek accountability and support during this painful time.