Tragedy after Midwest tree trimmer decided to play joke on co-worker with heavy duty GRAPPLER machine

Published: 21:58, 24 August 2026 | Updated: 21:58, 24 August 2026 A Minnesota tree-trimmer employee has been charged manslaughter after allegedly crushing his co-worker's head with a hydraulic grapple.  Christopher Boone Crimmins, 34, has been charged with one count of second-degree manslaughter for killing his 26-year-old Tyler Anthony Lynch. The pair were working in Apple Valley County when the accident happened on Thursday afternoon. Crimmins was operating the machinery on the back of a truck while Lynch picked up leaves off the ground, according to a criminal complaint filed in Dakota County.  Crimmins described to police that him and Lynch were 'f***ing around' when they saw the sunlight casting shadows of both the grapple and his head on the ground.  He was observing Lynch's shadow when he moved the grapple around to make it look like it was grabbing Lynch's head. Since he was watching the shadow instead of Lynch directly, he didn't realize the grapple closed around his head.  A witness told investigators they saw the grapple 'hit or pinch' Lynch, according to the filed criminal complaint. Authorities said Crimmins completed 'culpable negligence' and created 'unreasonable risk' Immediately after, the police responded to a report of a severely injured man near 5200 block of 132nd Street West. They found Lynch 'with a large amount of blood around his body and a significant injury to his head.'  Lynch was pronounced dead at the scene.  The pair were working in Apple Valley County when the accident happened on Thursday afternoon. Crimmins was operating the machinery on the back of a truck while Tyler Anthony Lynch picked up leaves off the ground, according to a criminal complaint filed in Dakota County According to Lynch's social media, he had been working in professional tree services since 2021 'My deepest condolences to Mr. Lynch's family members and friends, and all those affected by his death,' said County Attorney Keena in a press release. If convicted Crimmins could face up to 10 years in prison.   His next court appearance is scheduled for September 10th in Hastings, Minnesota.    According to Lynch's social media, he had been working in professional tree services since 2021. A family member shared on Facebook: 'Absolutely no words Tyler is my stepbrother sending all the prayers possible for my stepdad Jim Lynch and Wendy Olson and Tyler's mother, Sonja Ivanof, we are truly sorry for your loss' At this time the investigation is still ongoing as the Occupational and Health Safety Administration is determining whether safety violations or other factors played a role.  Funeral and memorial service details have not yet been publicly announced.