Very likely true according to this: https://www.citizen-times.com/story/...rail/70394614/
Bob Proudman, director of conservation operations with the [Appalachian Trail]conservancy, said that most people attempting a thru-hike are prepared, but even seasoned hikers, such as Parish, can run into adversity."This is a very rare event. It's more likely that you'll be hit by lightning than being hit by a tree. But that doesn't mean it's not something we don't have to pay attention to," Proudman said.He said there are an average of two-three deaths a year on the Appalachian Trail."The most common is elderly people having trouble, such as heart attacks or breathing trouble. The next would be hypothermia in the north country, in the White Mountains (in New Hampshire). Accidents from falls are probably in the mix, but are not often fatal. We often have youngsters or people drinking and messing around on the cliffs near the James River," he said.