The branch was too heavy for officers to remove and emergency personnel had to use a chainsaw to remove it, according to the police report.
Witnesses who saw the branch fall reported hearing multiple loud popping and cracking noises and people in the park “fleeing in all directions,” according to the report.
D.C. Councilman Charles Allen (D-6th District) said Wednesday that the incident was a “horrific tragedy” and that Noah was believed to have been walking his dog. Police spokesperson Lee Lepe said Thursday morning that the report “does not list any other injuries or damage from the falling branch.” The park is frequented by area children and neighbors.
Crews on Wednesday dismantled the remains of a giant white oak tree in the swamp. D.C. Department of Transportation officials estimate the tree is more than 100 years old. The department, which has a city forestry division, said the tree was inspected less than two years ago and found to be in good health.
Authorities have yet to determine what caused the branches to fall. A team of volunteers inspected the trees in Garfield Park in October ahead of the North American Tree Climbing Championships and maintained them to make sure they were safe to climb, said Jeff Inman, an arborist from Richmond who won the championship. Inman said it can be difficult to diagnose what causes a tree to fall or break.
DDOT Acting Director Sharon Kirshbaum said in a statement Wednesday that the agency plans to reinspect all mature trees in the park by the end of this week.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends and loved ones affected by this tragic loss,” Kirshbaum said.
Megan Flynn contributed to this report.
