Custom sandals in memory of teacher killed by falling tree raise more than $20,000 for nonprofit Brooke Sampson was killed in February 2020 when a tree fell onto a van she was riding on in Townsend. Author: Amelia Young (WBIR) Updated: 11:13 PM EDT July 8, 2021 SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. — More than 100 people are remembering the life of 36-year-old Brooke Sampson in a special way — with Chacos sandals. Loved ones say she had around 50 pairs of them for all occasions and wore them everywhere. She was killed in February 2020 when a tree fell onto a van that she was in, along with her husband. She is remembered as a Sevier County teacher who loved people, especially children. Sampson is also remembered for her faith and willingness to help anyone.