Tree Trimmer falls to death

Eric Frei · 19th September 2009, 11:11 AM

A few versions out.

Tree Trimmer Falls More Than 40 Feet To His Death - Most Popular News Story - WPBF West Palm Beach

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. -- Authorities said a tree trimmer fell more than 40 feet to his death trying to avoid power lines Friday morning.

The accident occurred shortly before 9:30 a.m. outside 8360 Runford Drive, west of Boynton Beach.

Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office deputies said Nicholas Vitrano, 27, was trimming trees with a chain saw when the ladder he was on started to fall toward some nearby power lines.

"He had the presence of mind when he saw the ladder going towards the power lines to actually push off the ladder" and jumped more than 40 feet to the ground, Lt. Alan May said.

The victim was airlifted to Delray Community Hospital, where he later died.

But that version has been updated I believe to this one.

Tree Trimmer's Widow Speaks | trimmer, tree, father - Top Story - CBS Channel 12 News

Quote:

Tree Trimmer's Widow Speaks

A local tree trimmer and father of four has been killed on the job. Investigators say 27-year-old Nicholas Vitrano was on a 40ft ladder trimming a palm tree, when his pole saw accidentally touched a power cable.

It happened around 9 a.m. in Boynton Beach. His wife Leah Vitrano, a certified CPR technician, was at the scene and performed CPR on him herself, but could not save him.

Vitrano leaves behind four children: 5-year-old Nicholas Vitrano III, 4-year-old Aviana, 1-year-old Natalia and 4-month-old Vito.

"It breaks my heart, I just don't know what to say," said Leah Vitrano. "They don't understand. I just tried to tell the older ones but they just think he's coming back."

Vitrano tells CBS12 her family has been living paycheck to paycheck and that she was a stay at home mom because childcare has been cheaper that way.

A trust fund has been set up for the Vitrano family at Riverside National Bank in West Palm Beach.

Eric Frei · 6th February 2010, 08:18 AM

Update: West Palm Beach tree trimmer's widow sues FPL over his death

Quote:

WEST PALM BEACH — The widow of a 27-year-old West Palm Beach tree-trimmer who was electrocuted in September when he was trimming palms at a house west of Boynton Beach has sued Florida Power & Light Co. for negligence.

Had FPL trimmed vegetation around the power lines, Nicholas Vitrano might be alive today, his widow, Leah, claims in the lawsuit filed in Palm Beach County Circuit Court. He left behind four children under age 5.

FPL officials weren't immediately available for comment.

Garry Brockley · 7th February 2010, 11:17 AM

I guess the ambulance chasers (lawers) got to her, well i wish her all the best it must be a awful to lose a loved one like that.

Eric Frei · 7th February 2010, 03:14 PM

Whilst it's a tragic accident the fact is he has a brain and decided to do the work. He chose.

People need to take responsibility for their own actions, simply because a hazard hasn't been dealt with doesn't mean you jump in there, get hurt and blame others.

His fall, the ladder falling has nothing to do with the power company. Why wasn't he tied in? Why wasn't the ladder tied in?

I'm sure the power company will be pulling their records to see if they were notified of interfering vegetation.... but that's all they're responsible for. If he was trimming stuff outside of the clearance zones required well he will be well and truly on his own... for example, if he was trimming branches over the roof or drive that has nothing to do with power wires.

7th February 2010, 11:17 AM	#3
Garry Brockley Bayside Tree Care Brisbane Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Brisbane Aus Posts: 1,649	Re: Tree Trimmer falls to death I guess the ambulance chasers (lawers) got to her, well i wish her all the best it must be a awful to lose a loved one like that. __________________ My business:- Brisbane Bayside Tree Care

7th February 2010, 03:14 PM	#4
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,811	Re: Tree Trimmer falls to death Whilst it's a tragic accident the fact is he has a brain and decided to do the work. He chose. People need to take responsibility for their own actions, simply because a hazard hasn't been dealt with doesn't mean you jump in there, get hurt and blame others. His fall, the ladder falling has nothing to do with the power company. Why wasn't he tied in? Why wasn't the ladder tied in? I'm sure the power company will be pulling their records to see if they were notified of interfering vegetation.... but that's all they're responsible for. If he was trimming stuff outside of the clearance zones required well he will be well and truly on his own... for example, if he was trimming branches over the roof or drive that has nothing to do with power wires. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

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