I first heard about it on friday last. Lance Wallace asked me if I heard. I never met him, but have read some of his work and had some conversations with Lance that where he would go "Peter Donzelli says..."

I just read the euligy by Don Blair that will appear in Arborist News, wich Lance had just e-mailed me.

Does anyone have word on what happened? Lance had some sketchy idea that a lead may have failed, but the info came from a news report.

Reply to post by JPS, on September 05, 2000 at 21:44:24:

I heard form Lance that Pete wae removbing a lightning struck tree, while lowering a peice the tree failed under him.

Reply to post by JPS, on September 05, 2000 at 21:44:24:

I was emailed the news by our ISA Pres in Australia. The message said he was toing out a tree when the trunk failed under him, as stated by JPS, the message goes on to say he fell 80 foot.
It appears the lightning struck tree theory fits, However, like the rest of you, I want to know WHAT HAPPENED.
The way I see it, when a man of such caliber, and he was one of much knowledge and skill, dies doing what he does best. Whats the chances of less experienced climbers making the same mistake if we dont learn of this tragic accident. Someone closer to the event than me must come foreward and share the lesson.

Reply to post by Ned, on September 09, 2000 at 10:10:31:

Just found this site http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=796468&BRD=1170&PAG=461&dept_i for more news.

Reply to post by Ned, on September 20, 2000 at 08:09:30:

There is an on going investigation into the accident. The tree is being studied and the accident scene is being looked into also.

When the reports are done, they will be made public. There is no reason to speed through the analysis. I think Pete would expect that the report be as thorough as possible.

Today I took down a high hazard, hollow red oak. I did not have to climb the tree. Pete was on my mind most of the day.

Missing a friend.

Tom

Reply to post by Tom Dunlap, on September 20, 2000 at 08:41:20:

Obviously this is a tragedy. After hearing about it I thought about it for a couple of days, and thought that was really freaky. I pictured myself in his position and still get chills.

I also kept thinking about why a man with a Phd
in physics(I beleive thats what he had)was climbing such a hazardous tree. NED talks about his expertise and skill in climbing. He has not been climbing long at all. He is a very intelligent man when it comes to physics and forces. When it comes to removing large,lightning struck, hazardous trees, I feel alot more EXPERIENCE is needed. Experience is the key word here.

Please dont get me wrong I know the guy to an extent through Ken Palmer and the demos they have done for Penn-Del chapter. Which through their research has helped the industry.

I'm sure Pete had guidance through this tree BUT, he still didnt have the EXPERIENCE. It takes certain people to tackle hazardous trees and I'm sure your all men. (right)

So dont get too upset fellas, its just an opinion. I deeply sympathize with his family and friends. I just feel that a man of his standing should not be tackling this kind of tree.

Bushy