Man dies after hitting power line while searching for drone in Lake County

A man died last week after he hit a power line with an aluminum pole in Lake County, authorities said.

The man, 36, was attempting to knock down a drone from a tree just after 5 p.m. Nov. 7 when he touched a live line in the area of Highway 20 and Foothill Drive in Lucerne, Lake County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lauren Berlinn said.

Officials said he was using an aluminum pole while standing on an aluminum ladder.

The Northshore Fire Protection District and medical personnel responded about 5:15 p.m. and performed live-saving measures for about 30 minutes. He was pronounced dead about 5:48 p.m.

Sheriff’s Office investigators do not suspect foul play.

Pacific Gas & Electric Co. is conducting a separate investigation into the case and is cooperating with local officials, spokesperson Megan McFarland said Tuesday.

The process could take three months.

McFarland said residents trying retrieve an item that has touched or is near a PG&E line should instead call the company or 911 and an agency will secure the area.

You can reach Staff Writer Madison Smalstig at madison.smalstig@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @madi.smals.