A 68-year-old man was killed today while cutting down a tree that belonged to a family member, according to a statement from the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.

"While the victim was cutting the tree, it shifted and started falling to the ground," said Janice Atkinson, public information officer, in the statement.

She said sheriff's office personnel responded to the call at a Lee Pike address just before noon.

The man was unable to get out of the way of the tree in time and suffered severe injuries from which he died. His name is being withheld pending notification of family members.

The sheriff's office responded along with the Soddy-Daisy Volunteer Fire Department, Sale Creek Volunteer Fire Department and Hamilton County Emergency Medical Services.