PHOENIX — A man is dead after a palm tree fell and trapped him underneath it at a park near South Mountain.
On Thursday afternoon, Phoenix Fire crews received reports of a man trapped underneath a large tree at Highline Park near 12th Street and South Mountain Avenue.
When crews arrived it was determined the man was beyond help and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The man has been identified as 29-year-old Ryne Zehner.
Following an initial investigation, Phoenix police officials believe the man was walking in the park with another person when the tree fell on top of him. The other person was not injured.
Family tells ABC15 Ryne was a resident at Hacienda Healthcare.
Hacienda released the following statement:
"This incomprehensible accident has all of us at Hacienda grieving at such a tragic loss. Ryne was a unique individual and someone we loved very much. Our hearts go out to Ryne's family and everyone who loved him."
It's unknown at this time what caused the tree to fall.
