A tree-trimming worker in Minnesota faces manslaughter charges after reportedly crushing a coworker’s head with a hydraulic grapple. The incident happened during work hours in Apple Valley.
According to Minnesota authorities, Christopher Boone Crimmins, 34, was involved in the fatal mishap while operating machinery. His coworker, Tyler Anthony Lynch, 26, was cleaning up branches nearby. A criminal complaint from Dakota County provides details of the incident.
Police responded to the scene to find Lynch on the ground with severe head trauma and surrounded by blood. Lynch was declared dead at the location.
The incident points to negligence in machine operation. Crimmins allegedly operated the boom carelessly.
Witnesses reported both workers were interacting with their shadows, a possible play on sunlight casting silhouettes of the grapple and Lynch. Crimmins reportedly maneuvered the grapple’s shadow to mimic grabbing Lynch’s shadow, unaware the actual grapple was closing in on Lynch’s head.
Authorities from Dakota County noted Crimmins failed to monitor the grapple and Lynch properly. A witness confirmed seeing the grapple strike Lynch’s head. Blood was reportedly found on the grapple in proximity to Lynch.
The county attorney accuses Crimmins of recklessness, citing an unreasonable disregard for potential harm. This incident is classified under second-degree manslaughter, involving negligence that leads to death or serious injury.
Crimmins could face a decade in prison and a $20,000 fine if convicted. His bail is set at $40,000 or $20,000 with specific conditions. He is currently detained at the Dakota County Jail.