Minnesota Tree Trimmer Charged With Manslaughter in Coworker’s Fatal Accident

A 34-year-old tree-trimming operator in Minnesota has been charged with second-degree manslaughter following the death of his coworker in what authorities describe as a deadly accident during workplace horsing around. Christopher Boone Crimmins was operating a hydraulic grapple mounted on a truck in Apple Valley on Thursday when the incident occurred, according to a criminal complaint filed by Dakota County.

Tyler Anthony Lynch, 26, was stationed on the ground clearing branches when Crimmins and he began playing with shadows cast by the equipment in sunlight. Authorities allege Crimmins focused on the shadows rather than monitoring the actual mechanical grapple as it moved toward Lynch’s position.

The grapple struck and crushed Lynch’s head while Crimmins operated the equipment’s opening and closing mechanisms without awareness of the danger. Police arriving at the scene found Lynch deceased with severe head trauma and significant blood loss surrounding his body.

A witness observed the grapple appearing to “hit or pinch” Lynch’s head as it approached, corroborating investigative findings. Officers documented blood evidence on the grapple positioned directly above Lynch at the scene.

Prosecutors argue Crimmins created an “unreasonable risk” through negligence and “consciously takes chances of causing death or great bodily harm.” He faces a maximum 10-year prison sentence and $20,000 fine if convicted, with bail set at $40,000 without conditions or $20,000 with conditions.