UPDATED: Tree Trimmer Dies in Tree After Palm Fronds Collapse Around Him

A tree trimmer who apparently suffocated under a mass of palm fronds in Hollywood that sloughed off and pinned him to the trunk was identified Sunday as a Van Nuys man.

Gerson Hernandez, 27, died about 30 feet up a palm tree in the 1400 block of North Martel Avenue shortly afternoon noon Saturday, according to coroner's Lt. Cheryl MacWillie.

Tree trimmers are typically harnessed to palm trees as they cut away dead fronds, which form a ring around the trunk and can suddenly break loose and slide over the person.

An autopsy is pending.

Battalion Chief Jeff Elder of the Los Angeles Fire Department said OSHA [Occupational Safety & Health Administration] was investigating the death.