OSHA Investigating Tree Trimmer's Death In Fall
ZELIENOPLE, Pa. (KDKA/AP) - A deputy coroner says a tree trimmer died of head injuries after he fell or was thrown from a lift bucket that apparently malfunctioned at a western Pennsylvania cemetery.
Butler County Chief Deputy Coroner John Hanovick says 54-year-old Paul Reese, of Harmony, died at English Lutheran Church Cemetery in Zelienople about 11:40 a.m. Wednesday.
The coroner says Reese was working for American Tree Services when the pivot arm on a tree-trimming truck apparently malfunctioned.
Bob Volzer remembered his nephew as a hard-working man with a big heart.
"It's something you can't replace. We already miss him," Volzer said. "Paul was one of my favorite nephews. He told it like it was."
A witness says Reese was about 30 feet off the ground trimming trees before he was found on the ground with severe head injuries, next to the empty lift bucket.
The arm of the truck somehow gave way. He was found lying on the ground and pronounced dead on scene. The falling lift bucket also smashed a headstone.
To make matters worse, Paul worked for his older brother, Jim. His brother owns American Tree Service.
KDKA's Amy Wadas spoke to Paul's mother over the phone. She said Jim wasn't there when the accident happened. She said Paul had worked for his brother's tree business for over 25 years.
"I talked to my sister Virginia, his mom, and she said I've never seen Jim cry before. He's very, very upset and understandably," Volzer said.
Paul lived with his long-time girlfriend in Harmony. His mom says he loved animals and his girlfriend's children and grandchildren.
However, the relationship he had with his brother was unlike any other.
"I don't know of any two brothers that were closer in any relationship," Volzer said.
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration was investigating.
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