Overview
- A 29-year-old tree trimmer was found suspended about 60 feet high in a tree in a back lot and was pronounced dead after crew members lowered him to the ground Monday morning.
- The worker was part of a crew subcontracted by WE Energies and the crew supervisor reported hearing a loud bang and seeing a flash they believe was a lightning strike, though responders noted no immediate evidence of contact with energized power lines.
- Fire crews were unable to reach the worker with the department’s tower ladder because the tree was set back from the road, so members of the trimming crew climbed and lowered him while a mutual-aid ladder was released shortly after arriving.
- The Walworth County Medical Examiner and Whitewater Police have opened a death investigation, the worker’s identity is being withheld until next-of-kin are notified, and WE Energies says it is cooperating with authorities.
- Because utility companies commonly use subcontracted crews to trim near overhead lines, the probe could prompt reviews of contractor storm-work rules, on-site safety practices, and emergency-access procedures to reduce future risks.