Local teen dies after being struck by falling tree

SANDPOINT — A 17-year-old high school senior died Wednesday evening when he was struck by a falling tree during the fast windstorm that swept through the area. Charlie Miller was rushed to Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane but did not survive surgery.

Miller was a senior at Lake Pend Oreille High School. Upon learning of his death Thursday morning, the school district brought in extra crisis counselors to support students and staff.

Casey McLaughlin, Lake Pend Oreille School District's director of secondary education, remembered Miller fondly: "Charlie was an amazing kid — always super kind and super friendly and was a student that everybody's going to miss. I knew him from elementary, 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 as a "very happy kid" by school staff. 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 final year at Lake Pend Oreille High School. Because he also attended both Kootenai Elementary School and Sandpoint Middle School, this tragedy is being felt district-wide 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 how to donate.