Boater killed by falling tree on Mountain Island Lake laid to rest

MOUNT HOLLY, N.C. — The family of a Gaston County woman killed when a tree fell on her while she sought shelter from a storm on Mountain Island Lake last weekend laid her to rest on Friday.

Investigators said Vanessa Owens, 34, and her boyfriend were on a boat on Mountain Island Lake when a storm popped up last Sunday. As the couple tried to take shelter on a small island, the tree uprooted.

“There was a crack of thunder,” said Vanessa’s brother, Robert Owens. “A gust of wind came through and tore the tree down.”

Others on the island, along with first responders, tried to save her life for a grueling 16 minutes, but it was too late.

Vanessa Owens leaves behind two young daughters.

“To be 11 and 7 and to lose their mom, they’re strong,” said Robert Owens.

He flew home from New York in the middle of the pandemic as soon he got the news.

“We started trying to get everything planned and getting funds together,” he told Channel 9.

“I just can’t believe it,” said Sue Ross, Vanessa’s mother. “I am numb right now.”

Boater killed by falling tree during storm on Mountain Island Lake identified Boater killed by falling tree during storm on Mountain Island Lake identified

The family did not have enough money to cover the expenses brought on by the unexpected loss. The family is hoping the money they raise from a GoFundMe page they created will come through by the time the bill arrives.

Before Friday’s service, Ross told Channel 9 she’ll miss her daughter’s humor the most.

“Vanessa was one of those people that if you was down and out, she was there to make you laugh,” Ross said.

Some of those who tried to save Vanessa Owens’ life attended her service.

Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

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