Winnetka, Los Angeles November 21, 2025 A 54-year-old driver was killed Friday afternoon when a large tree suddenly toppled from the sidewalk and crushed a moving vehicle in the 8700 block of North Mason Avenue near Valerio Street.
The incident occurred at approximately 3:30pm as a white 2005–2014 Nissan Xterra traveled northbound on Mason Avenue approaching Valerio Street. Without warning, the mature tree in front of a corner residence fell directly onto the SUV, collapsing the roof and windshield into the driver’s compartment.
Los Angeles Fire Department crews arrived within minutes and initiated an extrication operation using chainsaws and hydraulic rescue tools. Despite their efforts, paramedics determined the driver had succumbed to injuries at the scene. A passenger in the vehicle was able to exit unaided and sustained no injuries.
Firefighters secured the scene and draped a white sheet over the victim, who remained inside the heavily damaged SUV until the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office assumed responsibility.
The cause of the tree’s sudden failure has not been officially determined. The Los Angeles Department of Public Works and Urban Forestry Division are investigating whether root decay, soil saturation from recent weather, or other factors contributed to the collapse.Mason Avenue was closed in both directions between Valerio Street and Sherman Way for several hours during the recovery operation and investigation. No further injuries were reported.
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