Not sure, but could've been drying out/dying for some reason.

Could be. More mulch and since the big rains a month back I haven't watered much.

I’m sure you looked for insects or breakage, but did you examine the branch for any lesions or soft spots (canker)?

tj

Once I had the 'pink' on a pungens it never had a great ending. I think it's a fungal stage leading to casting.

 One of the main reasons I like omorika and others.

you didn't say what you are growing.

needle cast

compare here: https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/spruce-picea-spp-rhizosphaera-needle-cast

and here: https://duckduckgo.com/?q=picea+pungens+needle+cast&t=ffab&ia=web

i my area.. we are losing a lot of the older larger trees ... due to lack of interest or moeny to treat ...

but on a smallish plant.. you should be able to control it with the appropriate spraying.. if you wish ...

it cracks me up.. once you start seeing them.. how many 40 foot trees are planted 5 feet from the corner of a house.. what.. 20 or 30 years ago ... who knew he dam things would never stop growing ... lol...

ken