Tree-trimmer faces manslaughter charge after coworker killed in equipment accident

In Apple Valley, Minnesota, tree-trimmer Christopher Boone Crimmins has been charged with second-degree manslaughter after a hydraulic grapple attached to a truck crushed the head of his coworker, Tyler Anthony Lynch. The incident occurred while Crimmins operated the boom and Lynch was cleaning branches, and the pair reportedly began “f—ing around” by watching the shadows of the grapple and Lynch on the street. Crimmins allegedly moved the grapple to align with the shadow, unaware that the actual arm was moving toward Lynch’s head.

A witness observed the grapple pinching Lynch’s head, and officers later found blood on the equipment. Lynch was found with severe head trauma and was pronounced dead at the scene. Crimmins is being held at the Dakota County Jail with bail set at $40,000 unconditionally or $20,000 with conditions, and faces up to ten years in prison and a $20,000 fine if convicted.