Settlement reached in NC windy weather death

CHARLOTTE -- The family of a North Carolina town official killed when a tree fell on her sport utility vehicle has reached a settlement with the city of Charlotte. WSOC-TV reports Tuesday that officials and the family of assistant Matthews town manager Kay Plyler reached the agreement Monday afternoon, just before jury selection in a wrongful death lawsuit was set to begin. Plyler was killed when wind gusts propelled the tree onto her SUV in March 2008. Her daughter suffered minor injuries. Attorneys for Plyler's family say the city knew the tree had a decaying root system but didn't warn people about the danger. The settlement amount has not been released. Because it will be paid with taxpayer money, the figure needs city council approval. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)