Death Simsbury CT

Pat h · 15th September 2010, 07:31 AM

Sad news.

Worker dies after fall from tree | wtnh.com connecticut

Eric Frei · 15th September 2010, 12:34 PM

Tree failed at the base.

Quote:

Published : Monday, 13 Sep 2010, 3:37 PM EDT

Simsbury, Conn. (WTNH) - A man working for a tree service company died after falling at a home in Simsbury.

The deceased has been identified as 24-year old Luke Stetson of Windsor Locks.

The accident happened around 11am at a home on Chestnut Hill Road. Police say Stetson was up in the tree, about 30 feet up in the air, cutting branches when the tree snapped at its base and fell. Stetson fell onto the driveway, with the tree landing on top of him.

Stetson worked for Wayne's Tree Removal. Owner Wayne Allen says the white oak that Stetson was cutting down appeared to be healthy, but it actually had dry rot and couldn't support Stetson's weight.

"On the outside it's nice and healthy, just like the rest of the trees you see, but on the inside it's all dry rotted, which means it's very weak. You can't tell by looking through the bark, it's Mother Nature," Allen said.

The crew foreman immediately called 911, but the critical injuries from the fall proved fatal. Stetson was pronounced dead at Saint Francis Hospital.

"Just a freak accident, Mother Nature, that's about it," Allen said.

A crew from OSHA arrived to begin an investigation because Stetson's safety harness for some reason could not save him. Allen says the worst part of this for him is the fact that he had just re-hired Stetson on Saturday because he said he needed the work.

dtm165 · 19th September 2010, 11:45 AM

We have a reputable tree care company in Enfield, CT, and I know the trainer who trained that Luke guy to be a climber. I was speaking to him personally over the phone. His trainer is in his 50s and the one of the best people and climbers we know. He said Luke always took big chunks of the tree, and at one point the trainer taught him do not take such large chunks or will kill himself. The trainer was hiring him for work and climbing, but because he didn't listen and follow instructions, was fired from him.

Brent Ferris · 23rd September 2010, 04:33 PM

Quote:

A crew from OSHA arrived to begin an investigation because Stetson's safety harness for some reason could not save him.

How is the safety harness supposed to save him, when the tree lands on top of him? You wouldn't expect a white oak to suddenly fail, so it seems unlikely he would tied into another tree.

And I have fired people that can't follow instructions and create a job hazard. It is unfortunate he died, and more unfortunate he felt he had to take risks to get the job done fast - as if fast and safe go together - the can, but seldom do.

15th September 2010, 07:31 AM	#1
Pat h Sappling Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: C.T. U S A Posts: 15	Death Simsbury CT Sad news. Worker dies after fall from tree \| wtnh.com connecticut

19th September 2010, 11:45 AM	#3
dtm165 I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Enfield, CT Posts: 1	Re: Death Simsbury CT We have a reputable tree care company in Enfield, CT, and I know the trainer who trained that Luke guy to be a climber. I was speaking to him personally over the phone. His trainer is in his 50s and the one of the best people and climbers we know. He said Luke always took big chunks of the tree, and at one point the trainer taught him do not take such large chunks or will kill himself. The trainer was hiring him for work and climbing, but because he didn't listen and follow instructions, was fired from him.

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