Tree Trimmer Killed After Getting Trapped Under Palm Fronds

RIVERSIDE, CA — A tree trimmer was killed while trimming a palm tree in Riverside, and authorities continued to investigate the death Saturday.

Firefighters responded to the 2800 block of Newkirk Drive at about 1:45 p.m. Friday, where the worker — who was contracted by the homeowner — was trapped approximately 30 feet up a palm tree while trimming it behind a residential property, according to the Riverside Fire Department.

"Firefighters arrived to find the tree trimmer trapped under the weight of palm fronds that had fallen onto the tree trimmer," the department said.

The department's technical rescue team also responded due to the complexity of the rescue.

The tree trimmer was pronounced dead at the scene.

The incident transitioned from a rescue to a body recovery that was performed in collaboration with the Riverside Police Department and the Riverside County coroner's office.

The victim's identity was not released.

— City News Service