George Harrison's Memorial Tree Was Killed by Beetles

(Reuters)

George Harrison's musical legacy may live on for countless generations, but his tree? Not so much.

A pine tree planted in memory of the late Beatle has been killed by an infestation of bark beetles and ladybugs, the Los Angeles Times reports. Local councilman Tom LaBonge confirmed the ironic news earlier this week.

The tree, which was located in Los Angeles' Griffith Park, was first planted in 2004, three years after Harrison's death. It stood in front of a small commemorative plaque near the Griffith Observatory, where it grew to over ten feet tall within the following decade.

Unfortunately, beetle infestations in Griffith Park are not entirely uncommon, and Harrison's tree was one of others that succumbed to their effects.

LeBonge added that a new tree will be replanted in Harrison's memory, though it's unclear exactly when it's expected to take root.