A Pokemon creative design director has died following a freak windstorm accident in King County, Washington.
Eric Medalle and his daughter were travelling in the family SUV on Sunday at 1:30pm when a storm began on Seward Park Road. What has been described as "abnormal wind speeds" resulted in a very large Douglas fir tree toppling over and landing on the vehicle.
The accident killed Mr. Medalle but his daughter, who was reportedly sat in the back seat, escaped with minor injuries after being trapped in the wreckage.
Some reports have suggested that the authorities should have been monitoring the trees that fell, with local news service Q13 Fox claiming that there is no evidence of inspection prior to the accident.
Seattle Parks & Recreation arborist Matt Stempley, responded: "I think what happened yesterday was very unpredictable. If we had done a risk assessment, the high wind and abnormal weather you really can't predict for that," he added.
Medalle was a key part of The Pokemon Company's design setup and has worked on several well-known Pokemon projects in recent years; including English graphic design work for both Pokemon X & Y, Pokemon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire, and was even involved in designs for the original Pokemon trading cards.
Our deepest condolences to the Medalle family.
