Local teenager dies after being hit by falling tree

SANDPOINT – A 17-year-old high school student died Wednesday evening when he was struck by a falling tree during the violent storm that swept through the area. Charlie Miller was taken to Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane but did not survive surgery.

Miller was a senior at Lake Pend Oreille High School. When the school district learned of his death Thursday morning, it hired additional crisis counselors to support students and staff.

Lake Pend Oreille School District Secondary Director Casey McLaughlin remembered Miller fondly: “Charlie was a great kid – always super nice and super friendly and a student who will be missed by everyone. I knew him from elementary school all the way through middle school.”

Many students chose to return home to be with their families after hearing the news. Principal Luke Childers praised his staff for their efforts to support students during this difficult time.

Miller, the youngest of four brothers, was described by school staff as a “very happy child.” His three older siblings had all previously graduated from Lake Pend Oreille High School.

In a press release, LPOSD stated, “Charlie Miller was in his senior year at Lake Pend Oreille High School. Since he also attended both Kootenai Elementary School and Sandpoint Middle School, this tragedy is being felt throughout the district by friends, families and teachers.”

The school district has invited those wishing to support the Miller family to contact Lake Pend Oreille High School for information on donation options.