Tree trimmer faces manslaughter charge in workplace fatality case
Tree trimmer charged with manslaughter in coworker's death; held on $40,000 bail.
Event / Security
Minnesota Tree-Trimming Worker Manslaughter Charge
A Minnesota tree-trimming worker has been charged with second-degree manslaughter in connection with the fatal crushing of a coworker with a hydraulic grapple at a job site. The charge carries a maximum 10-year prison sentence and $20,000 fine.
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2026-08-24 to 2026-11-08 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 24 Aug, 04:04 UTC
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What happened
Manslaughter conviction carries maximum 10-year prison sentence
If convicted of second-degree manslaughter, Christopher Boone Crimmins faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.
Tree trimmer charged with manslaughter in coworker's death
Christopher Boone Crimmins, 34, was charged with second-degree manslaughter in the death of coworker Tyler Anthony Lynch, 26, following an incident on August 20 in Apple Valley, Minnesota. Crimmins was operating a hydraulic grapple mounted on a boom while Lynch was on the ground clearing branches. The two were joking around after noticing sunlight casting shadows of both Lynch and the grapple onto the street. Crimmins moved the grapple to make its shadow appear to grab Lynch's shadow, but failed to notice the actual equipment had moved close to Lynch's head. Crimmins then closed the grapple, crushing Lynch's head. Lynch was pronounced dead at the scene.
Manslaughter defendant held on $40,000 bail
Christopher Boone Crimmins was booked into Dakota County Jail following his arrest. Bail was set at $40,000 without conditions or $20,000 with conditions. Crimmins was scheduled to return to court on September 10.
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