News Summary
A tragic incident in West Phoenix led to the death of tree trimmer Jaime Yepiz, who suffered fatal injuries while working on an overgrown palm tree. Emergency responders attempted a rescue but he succumbed to suffocation-related injuries. Yepiz, a skilled trimmer with over a decade of experience, was remembered fondly by his family and colleagues. The accident highlights concerns about safety practices in tree trimming, especially regarding old vegetation. A GoFundMe page has been set up to cover funeral expenses as the family navigates this difficult time.
West Phoenix – A tragic accident claimed the life of 43-year-old tree trimmer Jaime Yepiz on May 10 while he was working on a job in west Phoenix. Yepiz was trimming a 50-foot-tall overgrown palm tree when palm fronds unexpectedly fell, leading to suffocation.
Emergency responders received a 911 call from Yepiz’s coworkers at approximately 9:30 a.m. after they found him unresponsive. Fire crews promptly arrived on the scene and employed technical rescue systems, including ropes and chainsaws from a ladder truck, to extricate him from the tree. After being rescued, Yepiz was transported to a local hospital in extremely critical condition but sadly succumbed to suffocation-related injuries shortly thereafter.
Jaime Yepiz was an accomplished tree trimmer with over 12 years of experience, known for his expertise in the field. He was highly regarded by both colleagues and clients for his skills and dedication to his work. Just days before the accident, he was scheduled to begin a new job in home remodeling, looking forward to a new chapter in his career.
Remembered fondly by his family, Yepiz leaves behind two teenage daughters, including 16-year-old Aimee Yepiz, who expressed deep sorrow over the loss of her father. His loved ones highlighted his exceptional cooking skills and warm personality, describing him as a nurturing and loving father.
The palm tree involved in the incident had reportedly been in poor condition and had not been trimmed for nearly 50 years, raising serious safety concerns regarding tree trimming practices in the area. Family members revealed that Yepiz expressed a moment of confidence before undertaking the job, indicating he believed he could manage the task at hand.
To assist with the funeral expenses, which include plans to lay Jaime Yepiz to rest in Sonora, Mexico, a GoFundMe page has been established by the family. Patricia Perez, his ex-wife, shared that Yepiz’s strong work ethic was well known, and he consistently strived to provide for his family.
This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the inherent dangers associated with tree trimming, particularly when working with old or overgrown vegetation. As more information continues to emerge regarding workplace safety in similar professions, the family hopes that others will learn from this tragedy and take necessary precautions to ensure safety during such tasks.
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Additional Resources
- AZ Central: Tree Trimmer Dies in Phoenix
- Wikipedia: Tree Care
- Fox 10 Phoenix: Tree Trimmer Rescued from Palm Tree
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tree
- ABC 15: Firefighters Rescue Tree Trimmer
- Google News: Tree Trimming Accidents
- 12 News: Father Killed in Tree Trimming Accident
- Google Search: Safety in Tree Trimming
