Tree Falls at Diablo Valley College Graduation, Injuring 12 Attendees

Tree Falls at Diablo Valley College Graduation, Injuring 12 Attendees

Pleasant Hill, CA — A graduation ceremony at Diablo Valley College took a frightening turn on Friday evening, May 23, when a large tree unexpectedly fell near the football field where the event was taking place, injuring a dozen people.

The incident occurred around 6:54 p.m. during the college’s commencement ceremony.

According to officials, approximately 12 individuals were hurt by the falling tree. Two of them were transported to nearby hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries and were conscious and communicative at the time. One other person later sought medical care independently, while the rest were treated at the scene and released.

Fortunately, the graduates and faculty onstage were not among those injured. The ceremony was nearing its conclusion when the tree came down, prompting immediate emergency response. Medical personnel and police were already on-site due to the size of the event, and additional responders arrived quickly to assist.

Diablo Valley College’s maintenance crews worked to remove the tree, and an investigation is underway to determine what caused the collapse. Although the National Weather Service reported wind gusts in the 20–25 mph range, those conditions were not considered abnormal for the area.

The college issued a statement prioritizing the safety of its students, staff, and community members, and extended well wishes to the injured attendees. Despite the unexpected disruption, the commencement proceeded to completion.

Authorities have not released the names of the injured, and further details regarding the tree's condition prior to the incident remain under review.

For more information, visit: ABC7 News report