New Jersey granddad, 61, and 6-month-old boy killed when tree suddenly falls on them in Verona backyard

A fallen tree fatally struck a grandfather and his 6-month-old grandson

The tragic accident occurred on Monday afternoon in Verona, New Jersey, about 20 minutes west of Newark. Verona police discovered the uprooted tree in the backyard of a home.

The tree fell on a 61-year-old man and an infant. Both family members were rushed to the hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries, according to police.

The uprooted tree landed in the backyard of the family's home, police said

The victims have not been identified. "The Verona Police, Fire, and Rescue Squad's thoughts are focused on the family during this difficult and unfathomable tragic time," Verona police said in a statement.

It remains unclear what caused the tree to fall. Local ABC affiliate WABC-TV meteorologist Lee Goldberg reported three storms passing through the Verona area at 4 pm, 5 pm, and 7 pm.

The victims were identified as a 61-year-old grandfather and his 6-month-old grandson

The tragic incident happened as the New Jersey-New York City area experienced an early taste of summer on Monday, with temperatures soaring past 80 degrees. Trenton and Newark peaked at 85 degrees, Atlantic City reached 80 degrees, and the Camden neighborhood approached near 90-degree temperatures.

However, brisk temperatures are expected to return on Tuesday with the possibility of scattered showers. "It will not be prolific rainfall," National Weather Service meteorologist Alex Dodd said. "There will be scattered showers and localized heavy downpours. There may be a lingering shower on Wednesday, but the bulk of the week looks dry."