WASHINGTON — A pipefitter was killed today by a large falling tree on Capitol Hill.
Congress is out for the Easter break and traffic was light when the 30- to 40-foot section of tree fell across Independence Avenue near the Rayburn House Office Building this morning.
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Architect of the Capitol employee, Matthew McClanahan, following an accident on the U.S. Capitol Grounds,” Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers said in a statement. “A large branch of an American Elm fell and struck Matt, who was working nearby on an irrigation pipe.”
“Matt was a talented, dedicated pipefitter in the Maintenance Division of Capitol Grounds,” Ayers added. “Please keep his family, friends and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
Much better pic of tree that fell on man near U.S. Capitol, by Post’s Linda Davidson. Man is in critical condition. https://t.co/RpLHxmLyDz pic.twitter.com/GwDbW2homY
— Peter Hermann (@phscoop) April 18, 2017
House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) called the tree fall “a tragic accident.”
“Matthew and his wife, Lauren, have two young children, Evie and Matthew. Their loss is so sudden and unimaginable,” Ryan said in a statement. “I ask my colleagues and everyone in the Capitol community to keep Matthew’s loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.”
Capitol workers are busy removing the rest of the old tree.
At the US Capitol workers are taking down a tree that partially collapsed this morning killing a grounds worker. pic.twitter.com/V0HMmiC5Al
— Sam Ford (@ABC7Sam) April 18, 2017
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