A memorial tree was planted in Los Angeles' Griffith Park in honor of Beatles guitarist George Harrison. It was killed by an infestation of beetles.
George Harrison's Memorial Tree Was Killed by Beetles
Some coincidences are so perfect they sound like a joke. This one is real.
The Memorial
In 2003, the city of Los Angeles planted a pine tree in Griffith Park in memory of George Harrison, the legendary guitarist of The Beatles, who had died in 2001. Harrison was known for his love of gardening and nature — a tree seemed like the ideal tribute.
The Irony
A decade later, in July 2014, the tree was declared dead. The cause: an infestation of bark beetles.
A tree honoring a Beatle, killed by actual beetles.
The Replacement
The city planted a replacement tree at the same site. As of now, it has survived — beetles and all.
Harrison, who had a sharp and self-deprecating sense of humor, would probably have appreciated the irony more than anyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was George Harrison's memorial tree?
What kind of beetles killed the tree?
Was the tree replaced?
When did George Harrison die?
Verified Fact
Confirmed by TIME (July 2014), NBC News, CBS News, Fox News, SPIN, and Christian Science Monitor. The tree was a pine planted in Griffith Park, Los Angeles in 2003 (dedicated with a plaque in 2004). It was declared dead in 2014 from bark beetle infestation. The city of Los Angeles replaced it with a new tree. Multiple credible outlets covered the story.
TIME / NBC News / CBS News