san Diego Man Killed by Falling Tree Branch During Christmas Eve storm
A tragic incident in San Diego‘s City Heights neighborhood on Wednesday resulted in the death of a man struck by a falling tree branch. The event occurred amidst a powerful storm bringing high winds and rain to the region, raising questions about preventative tree maintenance and storm preparedness.Here’s a complete look at what happened, the ongoing impacts, and what you need to know.
What Happened?
Around 11 a.m. on December 24th, a large tree branch – estimated to be 30 feet long – splintered and fell in the 3800 block of Marlborough Avenue. Sadly, the branch struck a man in his 60s or 70s who lived nearby.
First responders from San Diego Fire-Rescue arrived to find the victim in cardiac arrest. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim has been identified as Roberto Ruiz.
According to his daughter-in-law, Zenaida Rodriguez, the family had been planning a Christmas Eve festivity at the house. Ruiz had stepped outside to move his car when the branch fell.
Concerns Over City Tree Maintenance
This tragedy has sparked outrage and questions regarding the city’s tree maintenance program. Rodriguez stated the family had repeatedly reported concerns about the tree to the city over the past five years, but no action was taken.
A city crew confirmed that the tree is, in fact, owned by the city. Rodriguez expressed her grief, stating, ”This is a father, a grandpa… How do you go home on Christmas Eve and tell your kids that their grandpa’s dead?”
Storm Conditions at the Time
The incident coincided with the arrival of a strong storm system. Here’s a breakdown of the whether conditions:
* Winds: Gusts between 20-35 mph, with potential for up to 45 mph.
* Wind Advisory: In effect for the coast and inland valleys until 10 p.m. Wednesday.
* Airport Warning: san Diego International Airport experienced a weather warning for wind gusts of 30 knots or greater between 9 a.m.and 2 p.m.
* Rain & Surf: Expect continued rain and high surf throughout the day.
It remains unclear whether the storm directly caused the tree to fracture, but the timing is certainly a factor being investigated.
Widespread Storm damage Across San Diego County
The falling tree was not an isolated incident. The storm caused widespread damage throughout San Diego County:
* National City: A large sign for a Chipotle/Starbucks collapsed onto two cars on Mile of Cars Way near Interstate 5.
* Coronado: Downed power lines prompted the Coronado Police Department to urge motorists to avoid the area of Park place and Star Park Place around 1:15 p.m.
* Power Outages: San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) reported thousands of customers without power, stretching from Poway to San Ysidro and del Mar to Spring valley. The cause of many outages remained unknown as of Wednesday afternoon. You can check the current outage map here.
What You Should Do
If you see a hazardous tree on city property, report it immediately to the city’s Urban Forestry Program. During storms, remember to:
* Stay Indoors: If possible, remain inside during periods of high wind.
* Be Aware of Surroundings: If you must be outside,be mindful of trees,power lines,and other potential hazards.
* Report Hazards: Immediately report downed power lines or fallen trees to the appropriate authorities.
* Check for Updates: Stay informed about weather conditions and potential hazards through local news and weather reports.
This is a developing story. Reporting by NBC 7’s shelby Bremer contributed to this article.
