Round Lake Beach man dies after tree limb crushes him

A 53-year-old man helping to cut down a tree in Round Lake Beach was killed over the weekend when a falling limb hit him in the head and torso, authorities said.

Florencia Vega, of Round Lake Beach, was pronounced dead at the scene at 3 p.m. Saturday following the accident, said Lake County Coroner Artis Yancey.

He said Vega was helping a friend or relative cut down the tree in the 1300 block of Ridgeway Drive when the large tree limb struck him, killing him instantly.

While details of the accident remain under investigation, Round Lake Beach Deputy Police Chief Rich Chiarello said Vega was in a tree cutting a 16-inch diameter limb when it broke loose and hit him in the head.

Vega was instantly knocked out and fell from the tree. The limb continued to fall, landing on top of Vega as he was on the ground.

“It was truly tragic what happened,” Chiarello said.

Funeral arrangements were unknown Monday.