Elderly Pinay among those killed due to Hurricane Milton

LOS ANGELES, California — An elderly Filipina was tragically killed after being hit by a falling tree in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton in Tampa, Florida, reports said.

The victim was identified as 73-year-old Luisa Santos, an operator of Oakland Manor Assisted Living, a facility that cares for senior citizens.

According to the reports, Santos was eager to clear the fallen trees and branches around the facility to ensure the safety of its 28 senior residents. Her husband recounted that Luisa was cutting a branch when suddenly a large limb fell on her, resulting in her death.

Consul Jahzeel Cruz of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC confirmed that Santos had been helping with the clean-up efforts following the hurricane when the accident occurred.

"It was reported that she was assisting with post-hurricane clean-up operations," Consul Cruz said in a message to GMA Integrated News.

Tragically, the incident occurred on Santos' birthday.

Her daughter, Wendy Tantozo, shared that Santos stayed up all night during the peak of Hurricane Milton to ensure the safety of the senior citizens in her care.

The Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC has reached out to the Santos family to offer assistance. 

Cruz said they are awaiting further contact from the family regarding the support they may need. —KBK, GMA Integrated News