Worker Accused in Fatal Job-Site Incident
A Minnesota tree-trimming worker has been charged with second-degree manslaughter after his co-worker was fatally injured by a hydraulic grapple at a job site in Apple Valley.
Christopher Boone Crimmins, 34, is accused in the death of 26-year-old Tyler Anthony Lynch following the August 20 incident, according to authorities. Police were called to the scene at about 7 p.m. after receiving a report of a seriously injured man and a truck equipped with a hydraulic grapple.
Lynch was found on the ground with severe injuries to his head and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Hydraulic Grapple Was Being Used During Horseplay
According to the criminal complaint, Crimmins and Lynch had recently arrived at the tree-trimming location and had been working for several hours.
Crimmins told investigators that Lynch was gathering branches from the ground while he operated the hydraulic equipment from the truck. The two reportedly began joking about the shadows cast by the grapple.
Crimmins allegedly moved the equipment in an attempt to make its shadow appear as though it was grabbing Lynch’s shadow. Authorities say he then activated the grapple without realizing how close the actual equipment had moved toward Lynch.
The grapple reportedly struck or pinched Lynch’s head, causing fatal trauma. A witness told investigators they saw the equipment move toward Lynch immediately before the injury.
Suspect Remains in Custody as Investigation Continues
Investigators reportedly found blood on the grapple positioned above Lynch after the incident. Crimmins told police he had not been aware of any mechanical problems with the equipment and said he was not watching either the grapple or Lynch when it moved.
Crimmins was arrested and booked into the Dakota County Jail. His bond was set at $40,000 without conditions or $20,000 with conditions.
He is scheduled to appear in court on September 10. If convicted of second-degree manslaughter, he could face a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
Authorities have expressed condolences to Lynch’s family and friends as the investigation into the fatal workplace incident continues
