Arborist Says Root Rot Contributed to Fatal Tree Fall That Killed Washington Man

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TACOMA (AP) — A California arborist says the tree that fell and killed a Washington state man over the summer had root rot disease, making it more likely to fall in high winds.

The News Tribune reported that a report from certified arborist Ruben Green says the tree should have been inspected and identified as a risk. He found that about 60 percent of the tree’s root structure was missing or compromised.

The Douglas-fir was growing at Heron’s Key, a senior living community under development in Gig Harbor. It was blown over during an Aug. 29 windstorm and crashed onto Jamie Fay’s car. His 3-year-old daughter was also in the vehicle but was not injured.



Green was hired by Fay’s family. Attorney John Ladenburg Sr. released the report Feb. 5.