Worker dies in tree-trimming accident in Pasadena

PASADENA - A man died in an accident while trimming a tree in a Pasadena backyard Saturday, authorities said.
The man was identified as Artemio Hernandez, 40, of Sun Valley, according to Los Angeles County Department of Coronor Lt. Jerry McKibben.
The incident occured at about 11 a.m. behind a house in the 500 block of South Oak Knoll Avenue, said Pasadena Fire Department spokeswoman Lisa Derderian.
The private contractor was suspended 50 feet in a palm tree when he was pinned by a ring of fronds.
"A large layer of fronds fell on top of him," Derderian said. "Unfortunately he succumbed to his injuries."
Gardener Jose Martinez says the trimmer shouted as he was struck by the fronds but then went silent.
Firefighters determined the man was dead and covered him with a sheet as they worked to cut him free from a chain that tethered him to the tree.
It took firefighters using a ladder truck about two hours to lower him to the ground.

- From staff and wire reports

PHOTO courtesy of the Pasadena Fire Department