A man is facing criminal charges after authorities say a workplace prank involving a hydraulic grapple ended in the death of his co-worker.
According to NBC News, 34-year-old Christopher Boone Crimmins has been charged with second-degree manslaughter following the death of 26-year-old Tyler Anthony Lynch. Investigators said the two men were working on a tree trimming job in Apple Valley on Thursday afternoon when the incident occurred.
Investigators Say the Men Were Joking Before the Incident
According to the criminal complaint, Crimmins and Lynch noticed the shadows cast by the truck-mounted hydraulic grapple and by Lynch himself.
Authorities allege Crimmins began moving the grapple to make it appear as though it was grabbing Lynch as the two joked around. Investigators say Crimmins allegedly failed to realize the grapple was actually closing around Lynch’s head until it was too late.
A witness told investigators they saw Lynch’s head become pinched or struck by the hydraulic grapple.
Emergency responders were called to the scene, but Lynch died from his injuries.
Operator Was Licensed to Use the Equipment
According to investigators, Crimmins holds a commercial license to operate the truck-mounted hydraulic grapple, which is commonly used in tree trimming operations to lift and move branches.
He has been charged with second-degree manslaughter in connection with the incident.
If convicted, Crimmins faces up to 10 years in prison. The investigation into the fatal workplace incident remains ongoing.