A Youngstown man came within inches of losing his life, as a tree came crashing down on him while he was riding his motorcycle.

Youngstown Fire Battalion Chief Ron Russo explained, "A  man in his 70's was heading home on his Harley when a rotting tree came crashing down onto the Oak Street Extension. One of the branches knocked him and pinned him down underneath it. We were able to get him out and get him to the hospital."

The bike continued to skid at least 60 feet with minor damages.

A resident who lives on Oak Street Extension told 21 News that he called the Youngstown Parks Department a few times over the past 6 months to tell them the tree was a danger, and would likely fall on someone, and injure or kill them.

The neighbor also said that the Parks Department went out and looked at the tree, and told him there was nothing that could be done. He believes this was an accident waiting to happen.

The neighbor added that with all the rain this past week, the tree with the rotted roots started leaning even more onto the roadway.

We were unable to reach anyone from the Youngstown Parks Department but will follow up on Monday.

No one from the Street Department would comment. They were busy trying to clear the road.

We were also told the Ohio Division of Forestry has responsibility for some of the trees in that area. We will follow up with them on Monday.

The motorcycle rider was unconscious at first, but regained consciousness,and was then he was rushed to the hospital.

Russo said, "He's absolutely lucky to be alive. Another second and he would have been dead. He would have been under the biggest part of the tree that fell." 

The Fire Department, Street Department, and Ohio Edison worked to clear the road.

 People who know the victim say this accident will likely not stop their neighbor from riding.