A Minnesota tree-trimming worker has been charged with second-degree manslaughter after allegedly crushing his coworker’s head with a hydraulic grapple during a tree-trimming job in Apple Valley, authorities confirmed on Friday.
Christopher Boone Crimmins, 34, was operating a truck-mounted hydraulic grapple on Thursday when the incident occurred, according to a criminal complaint filed by Dakota County. His coworker, Tyler Anthony Lynch, 26, was pronounced dead at the scene after suffering severe head trauma. Bail was set at $40,000 unconditional or $20,000 with conditions.
Police and investigators reported that Crimmins and Lynch were engaged in horseplay while working, observing the shadows cast by the grapple and Lynch’s body. Crimmins allegedly maneuvered the grapple to make it appear as though its shadow was grabbing Lynch’s shadow, but he did not realize the actual grapple was closing in on Lynch’s head. Witnesses told investigators they saw the grapple “hit or pinch” Lynch’s head as it approached him.
Authorities found Lynch on the ground with “a significant amount of blood around him and significant trauma to his head”, according to the Dakota County Attorney’s Office. Blood was also observed on the grapple, which was positioned directly above Lynch at the time of the incident. Crimmins was the only member of the crew licensed to operate the machinery, which was being used to clear branches during the job.
Crimmins is scheduled to appear in court on September 10. As of Sunday afternoon, he was not listed in Dakota County Jail records, and it was unclear whether he had retained legal representation. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison.
The incident has raised questions about workplace safety protocols in the tree-trimming industry, particularly regarding the operation of heavy machinery and the supervision of employees. Authorities have not indicated whether additional charges or safety reviews are under consideration at this time.