‘I Just Cheated Death’: Westbury Man Survives Massive Tree Crashing Through Home

WESTBURY, N.Y. — A Westbury man escaped with only small cuts and bruises Monday evening after a massive tree toppled during a fast-moving storm and crashed through his home, causing a major collapse while he was inside with his cat.

The incident occurred at approximately 6:40 p.m. at a home on Oakdale Drive near Ridge Drive as strong wind gusts swept through the area.

Ricky Levenberg, who lives at the home, told Priority News Network he was sitting inside his room with his cat when a roughly 70-year-old tree in the backyard suddenly came crashing down onto the house.

The impact caused a major collapse of the second floor, trapping Levenberg beneath portions of the fallen tree and debris from the home.

Despite the extensive damage, Levenberg was able to escape and suffered only minor scrapes and bruises. He was evaluated by first responders at the scene.

Still covered in water and leaves shortly after getting out of the damaged home, Levenberg spoke with PNN about the incident and described being trapped beneath the tree and debris.

“I just cheated death,” Levenberg said. “I am amazed I didn’t get killed.”

The house holds particular significance for Levenberg, who said it is his childhood home and the place where he grew up.

At the time of the interview, Levenberg's cat remained unaccounted for. Shortly after PNN's cameras stopped rolling, however, word came that his favorite cat had been found.

Several other cats from the home were taken into the care of an animal rescue organization after the residence was determined to be unsafe to occupy until further notice.

The fallen tree was among numerous trees toppled across the area as the fast-moving storm brought strong wind gusts through Westbury and surrounding communities Monday evening.