The “Lightning Tree” cut down

Lilian McIlraith • February 23, 2026

Lightning tree photographed in the Loop at Whitworth University, Monday, February 23, 2026, in Spokane, Wash. | The Whitworthian/Legend Isumu

On Monday, Feb. 9, the “Lightning Tree” on Whitworth University campus was cut down by Whitworth’s arborist and groundskeeping teams.

The tree, located near the Chapel and Dixon Hall, was struck by lightning during a storm in 2018. Students named it the “Lightning Tree,” and it has played a prominent part in the Fake History of Whitworth campus.

Fake History is run by Resident Assistants (RAs) during the week that first-year students move into the dorms. RAs take first-year students to different locations on campus and share fake lore and stories about them. The goal of Fake History is to create community and memories for students’ first week on campus. “The tree getting cut down has an impact… it used to be one of the recurring things we would go to,” said Ryland Gabriel, a former RA for McMillan Hall.

Lightning tree photographed in the Loop at Whitworth University, Monday, February 23, 2026, in Spokane, Wash. | The Whitworthian/Legend Isumu (Legend Isumu)

Gabriel’s fake history for the tree was that “You couldn’t touch it because there was a microorganism growing in rebellion against BMac on it.” According to Gabriel, some Ballard and McMillan Hall (BMac) residents feel neutral about the tree getting cut down, while others who have memories of the Lightning Tree are most likely surprised.

Whitworth’s grounds team has been monitoring the tree due to its gradual rotting. Whitworth’s Arborist, Alex Avery, decided that because the tree was falling within a distance of a sidewalk, bench, light post and a larger living tree, it needed to be removed.

The process was done by tying a rope to the tree, ensuring it would fall in a safe direction. Avery then cut the tree into thirds with a chainsaw. “It came down in a very controlled and safe manner,” Avery said, “You do what you can to mitigate the risks.”

The grounds team is looking for a new tree to plant in that spot and is willing to give the remains of the Lightning Tree to students who are interested. “I know the tree was a special part of campus,” said Matt Quigley, Whitworth’s grounds manager.

Although the tree holds varying levels of importance to Whitworth’s general community, it has caught the attention of students who remember its Fake History.