Arizona Tree Trimmer Dies When Caught Under Palm Fronds

A tree trimmer has died after getting caught underneath heavy fronds on a palm in Mesa, Ariz.

Fire Capt. Forest Smith says the man was unresponsive when firefighters arrived after being called Wednesday morning to a home where a trimming crew was working in the backyard.

Smith says the trimmer had used a belt and spikes to climb the tree and was about 35 feet up in the tree when he got caught by the weight of the fronds.

Smith says firefighters used a ladder truck to reach the body.

Cause of death wasn’t immediately known, but Smith says the weight of fronds can suffocate a person.

The dead man’s identity was not immediately released.