Tree trimmer found dead in Studio City identified

A 70-year-old tree trimmer has been identified after being found dead, hanging in an upside down position approximately 50 feet above ground in a tree in the Studio City area.

The victim was identified by the coroner's office as David Cerigioni.

"Though energized electrical wires were in or near the tree, their role, if any, in the man's death is presently unknown," said Brian Humphrey of the Los Angeles Fire Department

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Firefighters and paramedics were dispatched at 12:07 p.m. Saturday  to 3363 N. Coldwater Canyon Ave., Humphrey said. The area is in the hills above the San Fernando Valley, just north of Mulholland Drive and Franklin Canyon Park.

The department sent 39 firefighters, including those specially trained, equipped and certified for Urban Search & Rescue operations. They utilized a truck-mounted aerial ladder, rope and harness system to extricate Cerigioni.

Cerigioni died at the scene.

"The man, now at ground level, has sadly been determined beyond medical help and is deceased at the scene," Humphrey added. "His affiliation with the site and employer is unknown.

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