Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Tree surgeon dies after falling into industrial wood chipper in 'tragic accident'

The man was working outside a car dealership in the US. Picture: file

Lizzie Dearden
Monday 22 September 2014 11:19 EDT
Comments
Workers destroy citrus fruit considered contaminated by the citrus canker virus October 10, 2000 in Miami, Florida. The State of Florida claims the Florida Citrus indursrty is in jepordy of being destroyed by the Citrus Canker virus and has ordered all do
Workers destroy citrus fruit considered contaminated by the citrus canker virus October 10, 2000 in Miami, Florida. The State of Florida claims the Florida Citrus indursrty is in jepordy of being destroyed by the Citrus Canker virus and has ordered all do (Robert King/ Newsmakers)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A tree surgeon has died after falling head first into an industrial wood chipper in what police called a "tragic accident" in the US.

The unnamed man was working outside a car dealership in Phoenix, Arizona, on Thursday with his two sons, local news station KTVK reported.

Police and paramedics were called at 10.15am but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

His daughter-in-law, Brenda Zapata, described him as a "happy man who loved his family".

“We're never going to see his smiling face one more time," she told KTVK.

A spokesman from the Chandler Fire Department said he was decapitated after apparently losing his balance and accidentally falling into the industrial machine.

His family told reporters that he had decades of experience as a tree surgeon and complied fully with health and safety rules while working with local company Trim-A-Tree.

The firm confirmed the man was an employee but declined to comment further.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in