A mature tree fell and killed a man Tuesday on the U.S. Capitol grounds at Independence and New Jersey in Washington. (Linda Davidson/The Washington Post)

A man doing work on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol was killed Tuesday morning when a large portion of a tree fell on him, officials said.

The man was identified as Matthew McClanahan, a pipe fitter who worked in the maintenance division of the office of the Architect of the Capitol.

In a statement, Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers said McClanahan was working on an irrigation pipe when he was struck by the large branch. “Please keep his family, friends and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” Ayers wrote. He described McClanahan as a “talented, dedicated” employee.

The incident occurred about 9:15 a.m. at Independence Avenue and First Street in Southeast Washington. Vito Maggiolo, a D.C. fire department spokesman, said the tree fell from the north side of Independence and landed in the middle of the street. Officials said the tree is an American elm.

A mature tree fell and injured a man Tuesday on the U.S. Capitol grounds at Independence and New Jersey in Washington. (Linda Davidson/The Washington Post)

On Tuesday afternoon, several lawmakers offered condolences.

House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) said in a statement that McClanahan was married with two young children.

“Their loss is so sudden and unimaginable,” Ryan said. “I ask my colleagues and everyone in the Capitol community to keep Matthew’s loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.”

On Twitter, Rep. Jamie B. Raskin (D-Md.) offered “sympathies & prayers,” and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Matthew McClanahan’s family in this difficult time.”

Eva Malecki, a spokeswoman with the U.S. Capitol Police, said crews were removing the branch and inspecting the rest of the tree. Roads in the area were blocked off for hours after the incident.

Dana Hedgpeth and Eddy Palanzo contributed to this report.