Man Killed Trimming Trees in La Mesa

Aerial video shows large tree branches and a fallen tree near the front and side of the house

Family members have identified the man killed by a falling tree outside a La Mesa home.

Josh Alan Pudsey, 41, was trimming trees using a large cherry picker outside the home at Date Avenue & Acacia Avenue around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Pudsey and a co-worker were in the basket when a eucalyptus tree branch fell and crushed Pudsey's head.

His colleagues tried to help him but the injury was too severe, officials said. Pudsey succumbed to his injuries in the driveway of the home.

Pudsey's relatives rushed to the scene and spoke with investigators. At one point his mother, Debbi Anderson, lay sobbing on the gurney carrying her son.

Family members said Pudsey had recently fallen in love and gotten engaged.

“He was doing really well,” said the victim’s father, Alan Pudsey.  “He’s had his ups and downs in life. He just now got his feet on the ground.”

La Mesa police did not officially identify the man but said he worked for a private company providing tree trimming services.

Aerial video shows large tree branches and a fallen tree near the front and side of the house.

The house appears to be for sale, with a realtor sign in the front yard.

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