Jasper Girl Scout killed at Perry County camp; three others injured

A girl scout from Jasper died after a tree fell on her and injured others at Camp Koch Monday morning. 

During a press conference Tuesday morning, authorities said 11-year-old Isabelle Meyer of Jasper was pronounced dead at an Evansville hospital after a large tree uprooted and fell on her and another juvenile and two adults at 11:30 a.m. Monday.

Meyer and another juvenile and two adults were hiking when the 35-foot tall tree uprooted and fell on them.

According to authorities, the other juvenile was treated and released. The adults, Melinda Garmen of Mt. Vernon and Judy Kicklighter of Evansville, were reported as being in serious but stable condition as of Tuesday.

Girl Scouts of Southwest Indiana released a statement Monday night about the incident.

“Girl Scouts of Southwest Indiana was deeply saddened to learn of the terrible incident involving a fallen tree that took place at our Camp Koch property today, resulting in serious injury to several campers and volunteers, and the tragic death of one of our Girl Scouts attending camp. There is nothing we take more seriously than the safety and well-being of our girls and volunteers.  We have closed Camp Koch while we work with our camp officials, as well as local law enforcement to investigate the incident, and will release more information as available and appropriate.  During this difficult time, the entire Girl Scout family mourns the loss of one of our girls, and we ask for privacy for the individuals and their families as they grieve and mourn this tragic loss.”

Perry County Emergency Medical Services, Perry County Rescue, the Tell City Police Department, and Central Dispatch assisted with the incident at the camp.