San Diego Sheriff's cruiser
San Diego Sheriff’s cruiser. Photo by Chris Stone

A 54-year-old man was killed when he was struck by a falling tree branch while on a walk in Valley Center, the San Diego Sheriff‘s office announced Friday.

Deputies from the Valley Center substation received a request around 4:40 p.m. Thursday to assist the fire department with a medical aid call on Oak Glen Road, near Debi Lane and Ricks Ranch Road, Sheriff’s Sgt. Matt Tomechak said.

Investigators determined the victim was on a walk when a large eucalyptus tree branch broke loose and fell on him, Tomechak said.

The victim, whose name was not released, was pronounced dead at the scene, the sergeant said.

— City News Service

Chris Jennewein is founder and senior editor of Times of San Diego.