Flavio Maya Killed in Tempe Tree Trimming Accident

Flavio Sesmas Maya Died After Being Hit by Palm Tree Skirt at Home in Tempe by Maple Avenue and 12th Street

TEMPE, ARIZONA (April 14, 2026) – A worker identified as Flavio Maya has tragically died in a Tempe tree trimming accident at a home near the intersection of Maple Avenue at 12th Avenue.

Maricopa County officials are saying that the accident took place on Sunday morning. Flavio Maya was climbing and trimming a palm tree when the skirt on the tree suddenly dislodged and fell on top of him.

The force of the impact pinned him against the tree trunk. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help the victim.

They were able to extricate the victim and lower him to the ground. Sadly, Flavio Maya was beyond medical aid and pronounced dead at the scene.

A full investigation by OSHA remains ongoing at this time.

Liability for Tempe Tree Trimming Accidents

Employers in Arizona have a legal obligation to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. According to 29 U.S.C. § 654(a)(1), “each employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.” Several steps should be taken to protect workers who are trimming trees.

• All tree trimmers should receive adequate training and certification.
• All tree trimmers should receive all of the personal protective equipment (PPE) that is required.
• All tree trimmers should be provided with fall protection.
• All tree trimmers should have equipment that is routinely inspected and well maintained.

When a worker is injured or killed in Arizona, they or their surviving family members will typically have recourse to the workers’ compensation system. This is a no-fault insurance scheme designed to help in the aftermath of an accident. In addition to workers’ compensation, an injured worker or their surviving family may also be able to pursue accountability through a third-party liability claim. For example, an equipment manufacturer could be liable for an accident if a piece of equipment failed and led to a worker being injured.

Steps to Take After Tempe Tree Trimming Accidents

Tree trimming remains a very dangerous profession, with many accidents taking place each year. According to TDI, “Each year, tree care injuries account for about 80 worker deaths and at least 23,000 chainsaw injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms across the U.S. While landscape service workers comprise less than 1% of the total workforce, they account for about 3.5% of all workplace fatalities.” Multiple actions should be taken after any tree-trimming accident.

• All of the medical records related to the incident should be collected and preserved.
• Any person that may have witnessed the accident should be interviewed as early as possible, while their memories are still fresh.
• The report created by OSHA should be sought. It can be used to help identify all liable parties.
• The family of any person who died in a tree trimming accident should seek an independent review by a team that is knowledgeable in accident reconstruction.

It can be difficult to know where to begin after any tree trimming accident. Victims are often left with life-altering injuries that impair their ability to work. To make matters worse, general contractors will often do everything in their power to deny responsibility when someone is injured on the job. This is why it is so important that all workplace accidents are properly investigated by an outside party.

Investigating Tempe Tree Trimming Accidents

We at The Law Offices of John Phebus extend our deepest condolences to the family of Flavio Maya. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong so that other tragedies can be prevented. Many questions remain unanswered at this time.

Do you need more information about an Arizona tree trimming accident? Our team of accident investigators is here for you. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are protected through skilled advocacy. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any particular accident, we are here to serve your needs. You are always welcome to reach out to us anytime at (623) 847-7117.