Man pinned by limb high in tree

PEDRO - A 54-year-old man who was trapped roughly 30 feet up in a tree and injured after being struck by a large branch was taken to Shands at the University of Florida in Gainesville, according to Marion County Fire Rescue.

The man, whose name was withheld under privacy laws, was cutting a 2-foot-wide, 35-foot-long branch on Thursday afternoon. Officials say the top portion of the branch fell to the ground while the cut portion swung back and struck the man, pinning him to the tree.

The man was unconscious. Someone called 911, and firefighters went to the scene at 350 S.E. Placenear Pedro.

Using a safety harness, ropes and ladders, firefighters made contact with the man and brought him down. The accident victim had head and neck injuries and may have suffered a broken arm and a broken leg.

- Austin L. Miller