Navy Vet Sues Park Service After Seed Falls From Tree And Crushes His Skull [Video]

When you hear about a seed falling from a tree, you probably think of a tiny, almost microscopic little fleck. But you may be surprised to find out that seeds can be much, much bigger. Like 16 pounds bigger.

Sean Mace, a Navy veteran, was visiting San Francisco for Fleet Week last October.  He was attending an event featuring flyovers by the Blue Angels and found a good viewing spot in a local park. He sat under a grove of coniferous Araucaria bidwillii trees. The seeds of these trees, which look like big green pinecones, can grow up to a few inches in diameter and weigh as much as 40 pounds! While sitting under the tree, a 16-pounder fell out of the tree and struck Mace directly on the head.  

Mace was rushed to the hospital because his skull had essentially been caved in.  He underwent an an emergency craniotomy and right hemicraniectormy. Even though the physical damage was repaired, Mace suffered a traumatic brain injury with irreversible effects.

Due to the injuries suffered, Mace is now suing the parks service, asking for $5 million in damages and requesting that the trees either be cut down or that warning signs and fences be placed around the trees in question.