AoC employee killed by falling tree on Capitol grounds

A worker pinned under a falling tree on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday morning has died, the Architect of the Capitol said.

Matthew McClanahan, an employee in the Architect of the Capitol’s (AoC) Maintenance Division of Capitol Grounds, was struck by a large tree near the Capitol while working on an irrigation pipe. He was taken to a local hospital after being extricated by emergency workers.

McClanahan died of his injuries soon after.

“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Architect of the Capitol employee, Matthew McClanahan, following an accident on the U.S. Capitol Grounds,” Architect of the Capitol Stephen Ayers said in a statement obtained by NBC News.

The AOC announces the man struck and killed by the falling tree branch at the Capitol this morning was an employee: pic.twitter.com/3UAk7CkQPn

— Alex Moe (@AlexNBCNews) April 18, 2017

“Matt was a talented, dedicated pipefitter in the Maintenance Division of Capitol Grounds. Please keep his family, friends and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) released a statement mourning McClanahan. 

“Matthew and his wife, Lauren, have two young children, Evie and Matthew. Their loss is so sudden and unimaginable. I ask my colleagues and everyone in the Capitol community to keep Matthew’s loved ones in your thoughts and prayers,” he said. 

The U.S. Capitol Police said Independence Avenue between Washington Avenue and First Street would remain closed while the Capitol Police investigate the accident scene. The USCP said grounds crews from the AoC are inspecting the tree and removing the remaining debris.

The Architect of the Capitol is the federal agency responsible for maintaining and preserving the U.S. Capitol complex.