GoFundMe set up for man killed by fallen tree in Portola Valley raises $82K

A GoFundMe has been launched for Jesus Ivan Cruz Diaz, 29, the man killed Tuesday, March 21, in a freak accident when a tree fell on his van on Alpine Road in Portola Valley.

Able Plumbing, Sewer and Drain, his employer, created the funeral expense fund. More than 900 donations, totaling $82,639, have been made as of Monday morning, March 27.

“Jesus had just completed a job for one of our valued customers when the accident happened,” Able wrote in the GoFundMe page. “He was a skilled plumber who took pride in his work and always went above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction. … As we mourn the loss of our colleague and friend, we would like to offer our support to his family by creating this GoFundMe page to help with his funeral expenses.”

Cruz Diaz, of San Jose, was driving east on Alpine Road around 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday when high winds knocked down a large tree that fell on his car.

Medics pronounced Cruz Diaz dead at the scene after emergency responders removed large branches from the vehicle to get to him.

While crews were attempting to remove the man from the white van he was driving, three more trees fell in the same area, barely missing emergency crews and vehicles at the scene, according to Woodside Fire Protection District Fire Chief Rob Lindner and CHP Officer David LaRock.

To donate to the fundraiser, visit gofundme.com.