ANDERSON, S.C. (WSPA) – A teenager was killed Monday when a large tree fell on him during a storm.

According to the Anderson County Coroner’s Office, 15-year-old Evan Christopher Kinley arrived at his grandparent’s home during the height of the storm.

The coroner said Kinley got out of his car and was at the entrance of a garage when a large tree was uprooted and fell.

The tree struck Kinley, the garage and a fence on the property.

Anderson Fire Chief Charlie King said firefighters tried to rescue Kinley.

“Crews were able to begin cutting their way — with saws and other extrication tools — into the structure where they made access to the individual who was inside, and determined he had passed away from the injuries he received,” King said.

Kinley was pronounced dead at the scene. According to the coroner, he died from multiple traumatic injuries secondary to blunt force trauma. His death has been ruled accidental and classified as a death resulting from a severe weather event.

Kinley was a sophomore at T.L. Hanna High School.

“I’m a father, I can’t imagine what they’re even going through or how you even recover from something like this. We’re here as a school district to support where we can and to help out the students at TL Hanna, the faculty, and obviously the family,” said Kyle Newton, with the district.

In a school full of 2,000 students, Kyle Newton, with the district, said they are still trying to find out more information.

“You don’t know who had relationships with the student, or family members,” he said.

With the Yellowjackets all coming together to honor the life of their classmate.

“Anytime you have a student pass away, it’s hard on the school, the district and the family. Just can’t imagine what they’re going through right now,” said Newton.

It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that tonight, Evan Kinley, a tenth grade student at TL Hanna High School was tragically killed during the thunderstorms. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time, and additional support staff members will serve at TL Hanna tomorrow to help students and staff process this tragedy. Words never seem to convey comfort during a time like this, but please take a moment to remember why we are in the roles that we are, and please keep Evan, his family, and the TLH students, faculty, and staff  in mind as you go about your day tomorrow. As the district learns more information about arrangements, we will be sure to send that information out accordingly.

Anderson School District Five

The area had been under a severe thunderstorm warning. Severe storms rolled over Anderson County around 4:30 p.m. Monday, knocking out power to tens of thousands of people across the Upstate.

The Anderson Fire Department said about 100 calls were made for damage around the county Monday.

The investigation remains ongoing by the Anderson County Coroner’s Office and Anderson Police Department.

The Broadway Fire Department posted saying Kinley was a junior firefighter with their department, and they are asking the community to keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.