“A gust of wind took the [palm] frond into the power line,” said witness Phyllis Aguyo.

Marco Island Fire Chief Michael Murphy said no one, whether they are homeowners or professional landscapers, should be trimming trees near power lines – especially this time of year.

“Unfortunately this accident happens all too often,” said Murphy. “We have tropical storm breezes which additionally sway the branches and add some lift to these branches.”

“You should never, never be operating around power lines,” he said.

The accident remains under investigation.