Just spit-balling but yes, let's say the water column is broken which causes a strength loss in live sapwood which then allows compromised rotten wood to do its thing.
Seem logical? As I've said, my observations have been oaks with good looking limbs dropping that all had internal decay bit...
If I recall, decay and oftentimes wet woods/Flux are usually involved. Seen big red and pin oaks "suddenly" drop BIG limbs that were in full leaf and looked healthy but all have always had white rot and discoloration
White pine showing zero symptoms other than a dead surface root, root rotter of some type?
Cause for concern and aggressive?
Not a ganoderma lucidum/sessile as it was quite soft to the touch