Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Mother Of Baby Killed By Falling Branch Is Now Stable
By
Jaya Saxena
Published Jun 27, 2010
Modified Jun 27, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jaya Saxena
Published Jun 27, 2010
Modified Jun 27, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Yesterday, a 6-month-old baby died after being struck by a falling branch near the sea lion exhibit at the Central Park Zoo. Baby Gianna Riccuitti died almost instantly while her mother Karla DelGallo, who was also struck and hospitalized, is now in stable condition. Witness Trung Tran said he heard a crack, and watched as the branch fell about 40 feet while DelGallo attempted to run away. He told the Daily News, "I heard someone say, 'Watch out!' I heard the branch cracking."
A nurse attempted to give the baby CPR immediately after the crash, but it was too late. Witness Phillip Rams said, "The father picked his baby up. He was carrying her. There was blood coming out of her ears...The baby wasn't alive." The family was in the city for the day from Union City, NJ, and father Mike Riccuitti was taking a photo of his wife and child when the branch fell.
The tree, estimated to be between 30 and 50 years old, appeared to be alive and healthy. Because it is within zoo limits it is maintained by the Wildlife Conservation Society, and they said in a statement that they offer the “sincerest condolences to the individuals involved in today’s accident."
This has been the second fatality caused by a falling branch in the park this year. The first happened in February near the corner of East Drive and 68th Street, where a man was struck by a branch falling from a reportedly healthy tree. Three people were also injured by a branch near the Boathouse last month.
Tagged
branch
central park
central park zoo
child
falling branch
fatality
infant
tree
Jaya Saxena
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Brad Lander says Israeli forces detained him during a West Bank olive harvest
IDF attacks during harvest season have drawn international condemnation.
By
Ryan Kost
Published Oct 21, 2026 at 8:24 a.m. ET
George Washington Bridge reopens after fatal shooting; no arrests made
A 46-year-old man was shot to death on the bridge Tuesday evening.
By
Ryan Kost
News
George Washington Bridge reopens after fatal shooting; no arrests made
A 46-year-old man was shot to death on the bridge Tuesday evening.
By
Ryan Kost
NYC’s horse carriage drivers feel betrayed as lawmakers set to abolish industry
By
Liam Quigley
Parents grumble as NYC schools chancellor dodges calls for NYC schools integration plan
By
Jessica Gould
Driver found with apparent gunshot wound on George Washington Bridge, officials say
By
Charles Lane
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .