What would cause a Maple tree to die from the top down?

Question:It was fine last Fall when it dropped it's leaves, but this Spring, the top branches of the tree are bare, no leaves at all. I had someone climb up there, and he confirmed it, the top branches are all dead.

Answers:
a fungus is probably the most likely cause.

Damage to the lower areas is also a possibility. Look for anything wrong at the bottom of the dead area.