Newport City Arborist May Have Known About Infested Trees Before Death Of Driver

NEWPORT BEACH (CBS) — New evidence shows that city officials may have known about a tree infestation in Newport Beach before a eucalyptus toppled and killed a driver.

Public records released this week show that the city's tree trimming contractor, West Coast Arborists,  knew some trees on Irvine Avenue were infested with beetles and termites.

On Sept. 15, a 50-ft. tree fell onto a car, killing 29-year-old Haeyoon Miller of Tustin.

Officials have not confirmed whether that particular tree was infested, or whether it was just standing among other infested trees.

The city of Newport Beach has refused to release a report from the arborist hired to study the tree citing attorney client privilege. Miller's family has not yet filed a claim to sue.

In the days after the accident, Newport beach hired a contractor to cut down more than 100 trees along Irvine Avenue, citing their age and safety precautions as the reason.

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