Additional Coverage:
- LA Tree trimmer dies after being impaled on iron fence in horror 35ft fall in Canoga Park (themirror.com)
Los Angeles, CA – A tragic accident in Canoga Park on Monday claimed the life of a veteran tree trimmer, Rogelio Cruz, 48, after he fell approximately 35 feet from a palm tree and landed on an iron fence.
The incident occurred just before 3:30 p.m. while Cruz was working on a palm tree. According to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), a rope securing him to the tree reportedly came undone, leading to the fatal fall. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Cruz, who had 20 years of experience in tree trimming, worked for a family-owned business. His cousin, Richard Areloa, who was on site during the accident, described the routine nature of the job.
“Everyday routine. Goes up, does the job, cuts it down, comes back down, goes home, and it just wasn’t like that today,” Areloa told reporters.
The LAFD deployed a special USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) team to recover Cruz’s body using a high-angle rope system. In a news alert, the department stated, “Tragically, this fall rendered the patient beyond medical help.” The scene was shielded from public view to maintain the decedent’s dignity.
A crisis response team was also dispatched to provide emotional support to Cruz’s colleagues and family. “I don’t know how one can process what happened,” Areloa added, expressing the difficulty in coping with the sudden loss.
Cruz’s niece, Janeth Cruz, remembered him as a generous individual. “No matter if he knew you or not, he would just lend it,” she said.
“Always the first person to be like, ‘I’m here. What can I do?'”
The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office has taken responsibility for Cruz’s body, and an investigation into the incident is underway.