Falling Branch Kills Baby in NYC's Central Park

A 6-month-old baby was killed Saturday and her mother injured by a falling tree branch at New York's Central Park Zoo.

Police said the 33-year-old New Jersey woman was posing with her baby in front of the sea lion exhibit and her husband was taking their picture when the branch fell.

The woman and infant were taken to New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, where the baby was pronounced dead. The mother was listed in stable condition.

Police identified the baby as Gianna Ricciutti of Union City, N.J.

Max Pulsinelli, a spokesman for the Wildlife Conservation Society, which runs the zoo, said he could not comment on the accident beyond what the police had said.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family," he said.

Trung Tran, who was with his own partner and baby at the park when the accident happened, said he heard the branch crack and looked over.

"The baby wasn't crying or anything. So that seems to me it's a bad situation," he told WNYW-TV. "We didn't hear anything at all."

It's the second fatality caused by a tree branch this year at Central Park.

A 46-year-old man died in February when a branch heavy from snow fell and hit him.

In July 2009, a Google engineer was knocked unconscious after being hit on the head by a rotted tree branch at the park.

[TVO1CITW]

Cut backs in maintenance could be a contributing factor or no maintenance at all. When you have a park like that you have to constantly maintain each bush and tree. They need to do a thorough inspection of the Department that cares for this park.

[gruven13777]

I almost died by a falling tree as well. It's a lot more common occurrence than most people ever stop to think about, especially during a wind storm or heavy snowfall. Check all the trees on your property and never skimp on getting them trimmed back so they don't get top-heavy, and never over water them because it weakens the root-ball.

[AtLasOn1Kl733]

Heartbreaking really heartbreaking. In a situation like this, who do you blame? Do you curse God for his unfavorable and at times cruel behaviour towards mankind? Or perhaps Man...because of his carelessness in reaping what he sowed? This story will kill someone emotionally a thousand times over every time they reach for a camera. Very sad.

[goirish1974]

Yes, this is heartbreaking. Who do you blame? Why must there be blame? No, we don't curse God. It was an accident. Leave it at that. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

[AtLasOn1Kl733]

@ToolMangler1
The statement was merely a question an individual would or might do if placed in that terrible situation. No one would actually know but the person himself. I should not owe GOD an apology as GOD is Cruel, Just and Unfair. That is my opinion but my opinion is minute compared to the world/society we live in that thrives on pointing fingers/blame on anything we see fit for comfort. You as a photographer, should understand, by all means my last comment. You capture moment in time and if moment in time was a person's last breath are you not emotionally disturbed at the images you captured as it brings painful memories? But, that is a question you have to ask yourself and answer it honestly. Photography is a difficult job as you would have to capture the images as if you were someone else but some people might not see it that way as I do.

@goirish74
When there is no one else to curse or blame there is one and unknowingly we do it. I agree it was an accident and should leave it at that but we all know, it's really not that simple.