Man Dies in Wood Chipper Accident

As obsessed with incidents like this as I am, let's face it, no story starts off good with a title like "Man Dies in Wood Chipper Accident".

Associated Press
Published December 29, 2005, 9:34 AM CST

LOVELAND, Colo. -- A man trimming trees was killed after he apparently was pulled into a wood chipper, police said.

The tree-service employee died Wednesday while he and a co-worker were cutting branches at a Loveland residence, Police Sgt. Rae Bontz said.

"It appears he was pulled into the chipper," Bontz said. He described the death as an industrial accident but released no other details, saying police were investigating.

After the accident, the man's partner, who was cutting branches from a bucket on a hydraulic lift, ran to the house where they were working, and a resident called 911. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police did not release either man's name. Police Chief Luke Hecker said the victim was experienced at his work.

The Larimer County coroner and the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration also are investigating.