(CNN) The Lorax would be devastated to hear that the tree that inspired Dr. Seuss' 1971 children's book has fallen.

The Monterey Cypress tree was at Ellen Browning Scripps Park in La Jolla, California, the seaside community where author Theodor Seuss Geisel lived from 1948 until his death in 1991.

Geisel could see the tree from his mountaintop home, according to the city's website.

The tree was estimated to be about 80 to 100 years old, said Tim Graham, a spokesman for the San Diego Parks and Recreation Department. He said there is "no definitive cause on why it fell."

This still from the 2012 animated film shows the orange Lorax character in the center surrounded by colorful Truffula trees.

The city plans to salvage the large trunk section in hopes of repurposing it, Graham said.

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