Pennsylvania

OSHA Investigating Tree Trimmer's Death

A tree trimmer died of head injuries after he fell or was thrown from a lift bucket that apparently malfunctioned at a western Pennsylvania cemetery.

Butler County Chief Deputy Coroner John Hanovick says 54-year-old Paul Reese, of Harmony, died at English Lutheran Church Cemetery in Zelienople about 11:40 a.m. Wednesday.

The coroner says Reese was working for American Tree Services when the pivot arm on a tree-trimming truck apparently malfunctioned.

A witness says Reese was about 30 feet off the ground trimming trees before he was found on the ground with severe head injuries, next to the empty lift bucket.

Hanovick says Reese hit the truck as he fell.

The falling lift bucket smashed a headstone.

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration was investigating.

American Tree Services hasn't commented.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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