Tragic Accident at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Claims Life of 29-Year-Old Woman

HARPERS FERRY — A tragic accident occurred at the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park on Sunday, January 17, 2021, when a tree, to which a hammock was attached, broke and fell, fatally injuring a park visitor. The victim has been identified as Amanda Martin, 29, of Germantown, Maryland. She was found dead along the Shenandoah River on Virginius Island within the park's boundaries.

Amanda was possibly camping or hiking at the time with her boyfriend Sean (last name unavailable), her close friend April Lee, and April's boyfriend, Mathew Stratta. Born to Steven and Lydia Martin, Amanda was a cherished family member. She is survived by her sister Rebecca and her parents. The family had previously faced a tragic loss with the passing of Amanda's sister, Marissa, on July 28, 2020.

Professionally, Amanda had been employed by ZeniMax Media in Rockville, Maryland, as an administrative assistant for the past five years. She also attended Loyola University Maryland, though details regarding her graduation or the degree she pursued remain unclear.

In the wake of her untimely passing, the community rallied together in a remarkable show of support. An astounding $41,970 in total was raised by two seemingly disconnected Go Fund Me campaigns to cover the expenses of her funeral, highlighting the profound impact Amanda had on those around her.

The incident was reported around 3:30 p.m. National Park Service rangers who arrived at the scene discovered the broken tree and the attached hammock. According to Katie Liming, a spokeswoman for the National Park Service, the tree had toppled over and struck Amanda, leading to her unfortunate demise at the location.

Weather conditions at the time were notably unusual for hammock use. The temperature was recorded at 43 degrees F, with brisk 15 MPH winds and overcast skies. Such conditions are typically considered less than ideal for hammock relaxation due to the cool temperature, potential wind chill, and lack of sunny ambiance. The strong winds, in particular, could pose risks if the hammock is attached to trees that might be compromised or weakened.

The National Park Service is spearheading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. They are receiving assistance from the Harpers Ferry Police Department in their inquiries. Additionally, the Friendship Fire Co. in Harpers Ferry was on hand to manage the incident.

The community and park officials have expressed their condolences and are urging visitors to exercise caution while enjoying the park's amenities, especially in less than ideal weather conditions.