A falling tree branch killed a maintenance worker near the Capitol on Tuesday after he was caught underneath large branches, his employer said.
In a statement Tuesday afternoon, Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers said: “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Architect of the Capitol employee, Matthew McClanahan, following an accident on the U.S. Capitol grounds. A large branch of an American Elm fell and struck Matt, who was working nearby on an irrigation pipe.”
“Matt was a talented, dedicated pipefitter in the maintenance division of Capitol grounds,” he said. “Please keep his family, friends and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
The incident took place about 9:15 a.m. Tuesday near Independence Avenue and First Street SE, Capitol police said. A large piece of a tree fell to the ground and hit the man, trapping him underneath it.
Much better pic of tree that fell on man near U.S. Capitol, by Post’s Linda Davidson. Man is in critical condition. https://t.co/RpLHxmLyDz pic.twitter.com/GwDbW2homY
— Peter Hermann (@phscoop) April 18, 2017
Capitol Police, the Washington fire department and ambulance services responded to the scene and helped get McClanahan out from under the branches.
Eva Malecki, a spokesman for the Capitol Police, said Tuesday afternoon that Architect of the Capitol grounds crews are “inspecting the tree and will begin efforts to remove the remaining portion of tree.”
Independence Avenue between Washington Avenue and First Street “will remain closed until further notice,” she said.
