Timothy Chilcote

A Spencer Township man was killed last week when a tree he was cutting down fell on him.

The Kent County Sheriff Department was called to the scene of a fatal injury accident at 16913 Penny Avenue, in Spencer Township, about 7:26 p.m., December 17. According to police, Timothy Chilcote, 50, was at a friend’s house cutting down trees in the woods behind this address, when a falling tree struck him. The tree was reported to be a 60-foot oak, nearly 3 feet in width.

When Chilcote did not return for dinner, his family began to worry, and one of his sons went to look for him, and found him next to the fallen tree.

Spencer Fire Department and Rockford Ambulance responded to the call, and the victim was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Blodgett Hospital for an autopsy.

Chilcote was a 1977 graduate of Tri County High School, a former youth leader at Huggard Bible Church, and currently attended Kent City Baptist. He reportedly loved the Lord, and had a heart for youth ministry. He is survived by his wife, Shellie; and children, Chase, Clint, Laura and Cole.

Funeral services were Monday, December 21, at Kent City Baptist. Memorial contributions may be made to Alpha Family Center of Cedar Springs, or Good News Camp in Gladwin.