Full Breakdown
Minnesota Tree-Trimmer Charged After Coworker Killed in Hydraulic Grapple Accident
8/24/2026, 6:11:00 AM
Incident Overview
On a Thursday afternoon in Apple Valley, Minnesota, a tree-trimming crew was using a truck-mounted hydraulic grapple to clear branches. 34-year-old Christopher Boone Crimmins was operating the boom while 26-year-old Tyler Anthony Lynch was on the ground collecting debris. According to a criminal complaint filed by the Dakota County Attorney’s Office, the two were “f—ing around” and began watching the shadows cast by the sun on the street. Crimmins moved the grapple to make the shadow appear to grab Lynch’s shadow, but failed to notice that the grapple was closing on Lynch’s actual head. A witness reported the grapple “hit or pinch” the victim’s head, and police found Lynch with a large amount of blood and a severe head injury; he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Penalties
Crimmins has been charged with one felony count of second-degree manslaughter. The Dakota County Attorney’s Office alleges that he created an “unreasonable risk” and acted with conscious disregard for another’s safety. Bail was set at $40,000 unconditional or $20,000 with conditions. If convicted, Crimmins faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. He made his first court appearance the following Friday and is scheduled to return to court in early September.
Workplace Safety Context
The complaint notes that Crimmins was the only crew member licensed to operate the hydraulic boom. The incident underscores the hazards inherent in operating heavy equipment in close proximity to workers, especially when informal “shadow-puppet” behavior distracts the operator from the actual position of coworkers.
Potential Implications
Authorities’ response highlights the legal responsibility of licensed equipment operators to maintain constant awareness of their surroundings. The case may prompt tree-trimming companies and other contractors to reinforce safety protocols and limit non-essential distractions on job sites, aiming to prevent similar tragedies.
