A 44-year-old experienced tree trimmer died recently after apparently suffocating in the foliage of a palm tree in San Diego, CA. Rury Valdez was cutting fronds (leaves) when he suddenly became entangled in them. Medical officials suspect he suffocated. It was reported that Valdez was found hanging from his harness. Firefighters used a ladder truck to free the victim, who was pronounced dead at the scene.