Overview
- Los Angeles fire officials said the worker fell from a palm tree onto a 10-foot iron fence around 3:24–3:30 p.m. Monday at Canoga Avenue and Valerio Street.
- Family members identified the victim as Rogelio Cruz, a veteran tree trimmer with about 20 years of experience who worked in a family-run company.
- Relatives told local media his rope detached before the fall, a claim authorities have not confirmed as the official cause remains under review.
- An LAFD Urban Search and Rescue team used a high-angle rope system to recover the body, and the Mayor’s Crisis Response Team provided support to coworkers.
- Valerio Street was closed during recovery operations, and news footage showed the body covered and shielded from public view by a tarp as the coroner took custody.