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Autopsy On Teen Killed In South Lake Tahoe Confirms He Was Hit By Falling Tree

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. (AP) - Police say an autopsy shows a South Lake Tahoe teen's death was due to an act of nature when a tree fell on him during a fierce windstorm, not foul play.

Police say the autopsy, performed Wednesday in Sacramento, found 14-year-old Dejon Smith's death on Dec. 11 was caused by blunt force impact and it was instantaneous.

A large pine tree snapped during the storm and fell on the South Tahoe High School freshman.

His family, in a statement issued by police, said an investigation is ongoing and they're thankful to their supporters. The family has questioned what really happened.

Police say they still want to question several individuals who were with Smith at the time, but they believe the death was due to an act of nature.

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