Florida Tree Trimmer Killed in Wood Chipper Accident During Work at Town Hall

The victim, part of a contracted crew, was pulled into the machine head-first, resulting in fatal injuries within minutes of starting the job.

The fatal accident occurred on Tuesday morning, January 28, at Ocean Ridge Town Hall, approximately 60 miles north of Miami.
The victim, an employee of Carlton's Tree Service, was trimming trees when he was pulled into a wood chipper head-first, up to his shoulders, resulting in decapitation.
Seven co-workers and a supervisor were present, but the incident happened too quickly for anyone to activate the emergency shut-off switch.
The victim’s identity has not been officially disclosed, though officials confirmed he has family in Mexico, and arrangements are being made for a funeral in both the U.S. and Mexico.
The investigation is ongoing, with OSHA notified and grief counseling provided to employees and witnesses by Boynton Beach Fire Rescue.