Tree Worker Killed in Horrific Accident as Coworker ‘Played’ With Heavy Machinery

A Minnesota tree worker is accused of accidentally killing his coworker after allegedly using a heavy boom grapple to play with shadows on the street.

Tyler Anthony Lynch, 26, was killed Thursday evening while working with a tree-trimming crew in Apple Valley, Minnesota.

Police were called to the 5200 block of 132nd Street West at about 7:10 p.m.

When officers arrived, Lynch was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 34-year-old man from Brainerd, Minnesota, was taken into custody and charged with one count of second-degree manslaughter.

According to the criminal complaint, the man told police he was the only worker on the crew with a commercial driver’s license, which meant he was responsible for operating the boom.

He allegedly told investigators that he and Lynch had been “f**king around” while working and noticed that the setting sun was casting shadows of both Lynch and the boom’s grapple onto the street.

The man said he began moving the grapple so that its shadow appeared to grab Lynch’s shadow.

But investigators say he was moving the equipment without actually looking at Lynch.

According to the complaint, the operator then closed the grapple.

Police say the machinery crushed Lynch’s head.

A witness reportedly told investigators they saw the grapple move and either strike or pinch Lynch’s head.

The incident happened while the crew was trimming trees.

Authorities have not released additional details about exactly how close Lynch was standing to the equipment or what safety procedures were in place at the time.

The case is now being investigated not only by local law enforcement but also by workplace safety officials.

Police said representatives from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are expected to investigate the fatal incident as well.

The 34-year-old suspect remains accused of second-degree manslaughter, and the charge is an allegation until proven in court.

Shocking and clicky title:

Tree Worker Accused of Crushing Coworker’s Head While ‘Playing’ With Boom Grapple