Landscaper killed downtown San Diego

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – A landscaper was killed Tuesday when fronds he was trimming atop a tall palm tree at an East Village apartment complex collapsed onto him and wedged him against the trunk.

The work accident in the 1000 block of 14th Street was reported shortly before 2:30 p.m., according to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.

The victim was unconscious and pinned by heavy fronds about 40 feet above the ground when emergency crews arrived, SDFRD Capt. Joe Amador said. It took the personnel about 40 minutes to free him and get him down to the ground via an extension ladder.

Medics tried in vain to revive the trimmer before pronouncing him dead at the scene. His name was withheld pending family notification.