The property in St. Clair Shores, Mich., was crushed on Monday, May 4
Credit: WXYZ-TV Detroit | Channel 7
NEED TO KNOW
- A tree fell on Martin Ender’s vacant Michigan home just one day after a sale agreement was reached
- The home, previously owned by Ender’s late sister, was severely damaged during stormy weather in St. Clair Shores
- Ender and his family may be responsible for the damage, as buyers typically have a short window to cancel sales
A Michigan homeowner is in disbelief after his property was flattened just one day after an agreement was reached with a buyer.
At around 8:30 p.m. local time on Monday, May 4, a large tree fell onto Martin Ender's St. Clair Shores vacant home amid stormy weather, according to 7 News Detroit. First responders placed caution tape around the property upon arrival at the scene.
Ender told the outlet that the home had belonged to his sister before she died. The family had reached an agreement with a buyer just one day before a tree limb crushed the house.
“I can't believe how bad it was,” Ender told 7 News Detroit. “I just thought it was the awning, but it's way beyond the awning.”
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While the cause of the incident remains unclear, some neighbors have speculated that the tree was hit by lightning and others believe the limb fell due to strong winds.
No injuries from the falling tree have been reported, per 7 News Detroit.
According to the outlet, Ender and his family will likely be responsible for the damage to the property, as home buyers typically have a short period in which they can pull out of a pending sale.
However, it is currently unclear what deal was negotiated between Ender and the buyer.
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Speaking to 7 News Detroit on the night of the incident, Ender said he would take time to assess the property.
“All I've seen is in the dark,” said Ender, per the outlet. “I haven't seen it in daylight, so I'll have to come back in the morning and go through it and see what we can do.”
Less than five miles away in Roseville, another homeowner had a tree slam onto her roof amid the “strongest, fastest wind” she'd ever felt, 7 News Detroit reported. She expressed gratitude for having homeowners' insurance.
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