Tree trimmer dies after getting trapped by palm fronds in Tempe

Tree trimmer killed after palm skirt collapse

A tree trimmer is dead after an accident while working at a Tempe home on Sunday. FOX 10's Jacob Luthi learns more about the incident, and the dangers of the job. 

TEMPE, Ariz. - A tree trimmer died Sunday after a section of palm fronds fell onto him while working in a Tempe neighborhood, according to police.

What we know:

On April 12, fire crews responded to a call near Maple and 12th St. regarding a worker who was trimming trees, when a palm skirt fell onto him while he was "elevated."

A ladder company reached the man and removed the palm debris, while the Technical Rescue Team got him safely back on the ground.

The man, later identified as 57-year-old Flavio Sesmas Maya, died at the scene. No one else was injured during the incident.

What they're saying:

Experts in this profession said it remains one of the most dangerous jobs out there.

Carter Allen, the owner of Tempe Tree Services and a Certified Arborist with a decade of experience, said his crews were working just a few houses down a few days ago, and said tree work remains one of the most dangerous jobs.

"It’s really tragic what happened here today," Allen said. "It really is one of the most dangerous jobs out there."

Dig deeper:

Last May, crews rescued a man from a 50-foot palm tree in the West Valley, but he later died from his injuries. 

"Palm trees presents a number of hazards," Allen said. "Of course, they're very tall. They're skinny. when you try to climb a tree, there's thousands and thousands of pounds worth of fronds. When you start moving that tree around, [it] can actually come loose and slide down the tree. When you're connected to it, that's thousands of pounds of force coming down on you. The safest way with a tree that has multiple years of growth is going to be with a lift accessing these trees from the outside."

Why you should care:

Allen said he’s focused on raising awareness about the risks— not just for the public, but for others in the tree-trimming industry.

"If you know that your tree hasn't been maintained for, you know, three to five or more years, that tree definitely has a hazard associated with it," he said. 

Knowing the stakes, his crews take extra precaution.

"We talk about complacency and we use the right equipment. So it starts in the morning, checking off your equipment, making sure your ropes are good, your saws are good, your saddles good. Wearing the correct PPE, anything from ipro, to your hard hats," Allen said.

What we don't know:

The exact injuries the victim sustained were not disclosed. 

What's next:

This remains an ongoing investigation. 

Map of the area.