Son of Lynnwood woman killed in bomb cyclone also injured

LYNNWOOD — The tree that fell on a Lynnwood homeless encampment during last month’s bomb cyclone and killed a woman also severely injured her son.

South County Fire previously reported no one else was injured in the incident off Alderwood Mall Parkway the night of Nov. 19.

Brian O’Connor, 38, woke up to the sound of cracking branches, allowing him to sit up before the tree fell, according to his family. He used a pocket knife to free himself from the tent and walked to a nearby road for help.

“Doctors are amazed that he survived this accident and that he was able to walk,” said an online fundraiser organized by his family.

He suffered a severe spinal injury. The tree killed his mother, Deborah O’Connor, 65. She died of compressional asphyxia and blunt force injuries.

South County Fire transported a man in his 30s from the scene who had been in the tent with Deborah O’Connor, spokesperson Christie Veley confirmed. Veley couldn’t confirm other details due to privacy laws, but said the family’s description of the event is “overall consistent” with South County Fire’s records.

Since his injury, Brian O’Connor’s family said he has undergone two spinal surgeries. He will need physical therapy and follow-up care while also grieving his mother’s death.

“It is a miracle that he is alive and walking,” the fundraiser said.

The proceeds from the fundraiser would help Brian O’Connor receive stable housing and medical support. The money will also go toward support for his autism and future job training. His family had raised more than $2,000, as of Tuesday afternoon.

The bomb cyclone caused wind gusts to reach nearly 50 mph in Snohomish County, according to the National Weather Service. Another woman, also 65, died in Bellevue after a tree fell on her home, and about 135,000 residents lost power in Snohomish County and Camano Island. Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers issued a disaster proclamation last week.

Jenna Peterson: 425-339-3486; jenna.peterson@heraldnet.com; X: @jennarpetersonn.