Tree-Trimming Worker Faces Manslaughter Charges in Fatal Incident

A tree-trimming worker in Minnesota has been charged with manslaughter after allegedly causing the death of his coworker with a hydraulic grapple. The incident occurred in Apple Valley and involved Christopher Boone Crimmins, 34, and his coworker, Tyler Anthony Lynch, 26.

According to a criminal complaint from Dakota County, Crimmins was using machinery on the back of a truck while Lynch was on the ground clearing branches. Authorities report that the two were allegedly joking around at the time of the incident.

Police were alerted to the scene and found Lynch on the ground with severe head trauma and a significant amount of blood surrounding him. Lynch was pronounced dead at the location. The complaint notes that Crimmins was accused of recklessly operating the boom, a mechanical arm on the truck, when the mishap took place.

Investigations revealed that Crimmins and Lynch were interacting with their shadows cast by the sunlight on the street. In an attempt to make the grapple’s shadow appear as though it was grabbing Lynch’s shadow, Crimmins failed to notice the actual grapple moving towards Lynch’s head.

A witness recalled observing the grapple make contact with Lynch’s head. Blood was found on the grapple, which was positioned directly above Lynch when officers arrived.

Authorities have accused Crimmins of negligence, stating that his actions created an “unreasonable risk” and involved taking conscious chances of causing harm. Crimmins faces charges of second-degree manslaughter, a felony that carries a possible penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.

Currently, Crimmins is held at Dakota County Jail, with bail set at $40,000 without conditions or $20,000 with conditions.