Tragedy struck the Clemson University community over the weekend as a 20-year-old student, Ethan Alexander Ackerman, lost his life in a freak accident involving a fallen tree. Ackerman was assisting two friends in clearing debris from a property in Anderson County, South Carolina, where several trees had been uprooted. As they worked, one of the downed trees unexpectedly sprang upright, trapping Ackerman beneath its massive base.

Despite the frantic efforts of his friends, they were unable to free him. First responders eventually extracted Ackerman, but he tragically succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The Anderson County Coroner's Office attributed his death to blunt force chest trauma resulting in traumatic asphyxiation, classifying the manner of death as accidental. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

Clemson University confirmed Ackerman's enrollment, and the Clemson Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation expressed their profound sorrow, describing him as a beloved junior majoring in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology with a minor in Forest Resources. They highlighted his passion for wildlife and the outdoors, noting his eagerness to contribute to the department since his arrival on campus. He was remembered for his kindness, humor, and helpful nature.

Ackerman's obituary further revealed his aspirations for a career in land management and his athletic achievements as an offensive lineman on two state championship football teams at Daniel High School. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist his family with funeral expenses, emphasizing his role as a source of strength and support for his loved ones. Clemson University offered condolences and highlighted counseling services available to the university community. Vice President for Student Affairs Doug Hallenbeck expressed the university’s heartbreak and acknowledged Ackerman’s valuable contributions to the campus community.