Lopez was having the barbecue at 105 N. Munn Ave. in East Orange, when the storm began at 8 p.m, East Orange Mayor Ted Green and the Department of Public Safety said.
Lopez was attempting to secure an outdoor umbrella when a tree from a nearby property collapsed on him, authorities said. He was found unresponsive and pronounced dead at 9:05 p.m. at CareWell Health Medical Center in East Orange, authorities said.
A fundraiser has been set up to assist Lopez's family. Lopez is survived by his wife, who is seven months pregnant and a two-year-old child. As of Thursday, June 27, more than $3,600 has been raised.
To view the fundraiser, click here.
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