Additional Coverage:
- Minnesota tree trimmer charged in coworker’s death after on-the-job horseplay turns deadly (foxnews.com)
A Minnesota tree-trimming worker has been charged with second-degree manslaughter following a tragic accident in which he allegedly crushed a coworker’s head with a hydraulic grapple while the two were reportedly horsing around on the job.
The incident occurred Thursday in Apple Valley. According to a Dakota County criminal complaint, 34-year-old Christopher Boone Crimmins was operating machinery mounted on a truck, while his coworker, 26-year-old Tyler Anthony Lynch, was on the ground cleaning up branches.
Police responded to reports of an accident and found Lynch lying on the ground with severe head trauma and a large amount of blood nearby. Lynch was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities say Crimmins and Lynch had been playing with their shadows cast by the sunlight. Crimmins allegedly manipulated the grapple’s shadow to look like it was grabbing Lynch’s shadow.
However, he failed to notice the actual grapple was moving toward Lynch’s head. The complaint states that Crimmins was not paying attention to either the grapple or Lynch and then opened and closed the grapple, crushing Lynch’s head.
A witness reportedly saw the grapple “hit or pinch” Lynch’s head as it approached. Blood was observed on the grapple above Lynch at the scene.
Dakota County prosecutors have charged Crimmins with one count of second-degree manslaughter, accusing him of acting with negligence by creating an unreasonable risk and consciously taking chances that resulted in great bodily harm or death. If convicted, Crimmins faces up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.
Crimmins is currently held at Dakota County Jail, with bail set at $40,000 without conditions or $20,000 with conditions. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather details surrounding the tragic event.