Maria De La Luz Cruz Died After Tree Fell on SUV Near Pearson Park in Anaheim

Maria De La Luz Cruz Died After Tree Fell on SUV Near Pearson Park in Anaheim

ANAHEIM, Calif. (Feb. 20, 2023) – Maria De La Luz Cruz, 62, of Anaheim, died Sunday afternoon when a tree fell on top of her vehicle parked at Pearson Park on Harbor Boulevard in Anaheim.

The deadly incident occurred about 2:50 p.m. on Feb. 19th, according to the Anaheim Police Department.

The Anaheim woman was parked and sitting in her Ford Explorer SUV on the south side of Pearson Park at 400 N. Harbor Boulevard, Anaheim police said.

A 60-foot Bur Oak unexpectedly fell onto her vehicle at the southern end of Pearson Park. Maria De La Luz Cruz was parked on Cypress Street, just east of Harbor Boulevard.

Anaheim police and Anaheim Fire & Rescue attempted to free the woman from the SUV, however, despite efforts to save her life she died at the scene. Rescue workers had to cut the fallen tree into sections to remove it from atop the vehicle and get to the woman.

RELATED: Tree Accidents and Liability

The city of Anaheim posted a tweet on Twitter stating: “Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken shares her sympathy and that of our city to those who have lost a loved one and to all impacted,”

There is an investigation into the circumstances that caused the tree to fall and authorities will determine liability.

A forensic arborist who checked the tree on Sunday found no immediate issues with the tree’s health, Anaheim officials said in a press release. However, the tree sections and the land around where it stood will be analyzed over the next two weeks, Anaheim officials said.

Furthermore, the arborist will review the weather and overall conditions as well as recent construction or changes to the area, officials said.

Typically, if a falling tree or branch causes an injury or wrongful death, liability for the incident will rest with the property owner where it is growing such as a city, government, business or private home owner. The property owner is responsible for maintaining trees and other potential hazards to ensure the public’s safety.


Johnson Attorneys Group does not represent any of the parties mentioned above. Furthermore, Johnson Attorneys Group has no intention to represent any of the parties discussed. We hope this news information is timely and helpful. However, if you would like to contribute any information or have legal questions, please contact us as soon as possible. Our law firm is a proud, longtime supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

SOURCE: Anaheim Police Dept., City of Anaheim

James Johnson

Website graphic for the California Injury Accident Lawyer

Free Consultation

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Connect with us
Copyright © 2023, Johnson Attorneys
Group. All rights reserved.
SEO and Webdesign by Clixsy
CONVENIENT OFFICES 100 Bayview Circle
Suite 5100
Newport Beach, CA 92660