Tree-cutter killed by falling limb

A man cutting branches from a tree was killed today when a limb slipped and struck him, Chattanooga police said.

The accident happened at 623 Belle Vista Drive when the man and an associated were removing debris and cutting back a tree, according to a police news release.

The victim, whose name has not been released because his family has not been notified, was standing on a ladder after winching a heavy branch that became stuck. When the branch slipped free, it struck the man in the head and knocked him off the ladder, the release stated. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Crews with the Chattanooga Fire Department and a tree cutting service had to remove the remaining tree branches before the victim could be removed, police said.