By Khalida Sarwari
A wildlife biologist who worked for a Salinas-based nonprofit died on Wednesday after a tree fell on him in Big Sur, according to the Monterey County coroner’s office.
Michael Tyner, 35, died at about 2:50 p.m. on Wednesday after a tree toppled during high winds while he was working near North Coast Road in Big Sur, according to the coroner’s office.
A forensic examination conducted today revealed he died as a result of blunt force head injuries.
Tyner worked as the field supervisor for Ventana Wildlife Society’s condor recovery program in Big Sur, according to a statement on the organization’s website.
“Mike will be dearly missed by all who knew him and his positive impacts on Big Sur’s natural beauty will live on through the condors,” said Tyner’s close friend and Ventana Wildlife Society condor project coordinator Joe Burnett. “I’m almost sure he’s up there soaring with them now.”
