Florida Landscape Contractor/Arborist Killed by Power Line

A landscape contractor and tree doctor from Riviera Beach, Fla. died yesterday after a fatal brush with a power line on Wednesday.

Herbert Hamilton, 52, was a foreman for Boynton Landscape in West Palm Beach and an arborist with his own business, Herbert and Son.

Hamilton was rushed to the hospital after coming into contact with a high-voltage power line in Palm Beach’s North End. The cause of death was cardiac arrest due to electrocution, according to police reports.

A ladder with an apparent burn mark and a handsaw typically used for trimming palms were found at the scene.

Palm Beach fire officials say that power lines have been of great concern in the wake of Hurricane Frances.

The incident has been classified as an accidental death by Palm Beach police.