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FORT THOMAS, Ky. -- Fifteen-year-old Michelle Chalk was struck and killed by a falling tree at about 6:20 p.m. Tuesday on Pebble Creek Circle, according to the Fort Thomas Police Department.
Capt. Steve Lumpp of the Fort Thomas Fire Department said Michelle was sitting with another juvenile on a hammock between two trees at a friend's house when one of the trees collapsed on them. The second juvenile was not harmed.
Michelle was a resident of Fort Thomas and scheduled to start as a freshman at Highlands High School in just a couple weeks, according to the police department. Grief counselors will be available at the school Wednesday or at 859-781-5900 if parents need further assistance for their children.
She was also a member of the Cincinnati Ballet's cast for "The Nutcracker" since 2013 and was featured as lead soldier in the 2016 production.
"We are deeply saddened to lose Michelle, who was a vibrant and beloved member of our young performers cast," Victoria Morgan, artistic director of Cincinnati Ballet, said.
