US News
Minnesota tree trimmer charged with manslaughter after co-worker killed by hydraulic grapple
Prosecutors allege Christopher Boone Crimmins crushed his co-worker with machinery while maneuvering its shadow during on-the-job horseplay.
The short version
- Christopher Boone Crimmins, 34, was charged with second-degree manslaughter following the fatal injury of his co-worker, Tyler Anthony Lynch, 26, in Apple Valley, Minnesota.
- According to prosecutors, Crimmins operated a truck-mounted hydraulic grapple to mimic grabbing Lynch's shadow on the ground, inadvertently crushing Lynch's head with the physical machine.
- Lynch was pronounced dead at the scene from severe head trauma.
- Crimmins faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted and is scheduled to appear in court on September 10.
Key facts
- Christopher Boone Crimmins, 34, was charged with one count of second-degree manslaughter in Dakota County, Minnesota.[NBC News · Fox News]
- Tyler Anthony Lynch, 26, died at the scene from major head trauma during a tree-trimming operation in Apple Valley.[NBC News · Fox News]
- A criminal complaint alleges Crimmins maneuvered the hydraulic grapple while watching its shadow interact with Lynch's shadow, failing to monitor the actual position of the machine relative to Lynch.[NBC News · Fox News]
- Investigators reported that Crimmins was the only crew member licensed to operate the machinery, and officers found blood on the grapple directly above the victim.[NBC News · Fox News]
- Bail was set at $40,000 without conditions or $20,000 with conditions, and the charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.[NBC News · Fox News]
What remains uncertain
- It is unclear whether Crimmins has retained legal representation ahead of his September 10 court appearance.[NBC News]