Rotten roots caused tree to topple on UNC campus

Chapel Hill, N.C. — Rotting roots caused a tree to fall Monday on the University of North Carolina campus, injuring two students, officials said Tuesday.

The tree fell shortly before 2 p.m. outside Mitchell Hall, off South Columbia Street.

Sheryl Singerling was treated at the scene, and Amber Hathcock was taken to UNC Hospitals for treatment. Hathcock was released from the hospital Tuesday.

UNC campus arborist Tom Bythell said the tree's roots had rotted, causing it to uproot and topple. Groundskeepers examine trees on campus almost daily to try to prevent such occurrences, he said.