Tree splits Kennesaw rental home as family sleeps inside

KENNESAW, Ga. A tree fell through a Kennesaw rental home about two weeks ago, splitting the structure and leaving the family inside without injuries. Kurt Jensen, a resident, said he awoke to find the tree on top of his bed. "I woke up to what I could only describe as a real-life nightmare," Jensen said. "I woke up and the tree was on top of me. I woke up and I saw sky, leaves, insulation all around. Branches, it just didn't seem real."

The family had lived in the home for four years and had raised concerns about surrounding trees before the collapse. The home contained asbestos, and the collapse contaminated the interior. Jensen said 99 of the belongings were lost. "Because there was asbestos in the house everything contaminated so 99 of the stuff is lost," Jensen said. The family did not have renters' insurance at the time.

Property owners have not confirmed whether the home will be demolished or repaired. No estimate of the financial damage has been released. A family friend started a GiveSendGo fundraiser for relocation costs and basic living necessities.

Jensen said the family is focusing on recovering items that cannot be replaced. "We are just trying to get the valuables and the stuff that can't be replaced like family stuff so that's that," Jensen said. He said everyone escaped without injuries. "We are just trying to take it day by day. For me it just doesn't seem real still," Jensen said. "Meant a lot to us it's a place we lived but to have all of our stuff gone sucks."

The incident occurred at a rental home in Kennesaw. The house was split in half and exposed to the elements. No injuries were reported.