Man Dies In Fall While Trimming Trees

MUSKOGEE, Okla. (AP) -- A Porter man trimming trees died after he was dumped from a bucket at the end of a hydraulic lift that was extended about 40 feet above ground.<br/>Authorities say Kenneth Wilson

Tuesday, July 31st 2007, 7:21 am

By: News On 6

MUSKOGEE, Okla. (AP) -- A Porter man trimming trees died after he was dumped from a bucket at the end of a hydraulic lift that was extended about 40 feet above ground.
Authorities say Kenneth Wilson died before rescue workers could cut away the limbs and branches that trapped him after he fell about 3 p.m. Monday.

Witnesses told police the 44-year-old was leaning out of the bucket trying to attach a rope to a limb when the accident occurred. The partially sawn limb snapped, struck the bucket, and knocked Wilson out.

Muskogee Police Captain Scott Shields says Wilson and the limb, estimated between 750 and 900 pounds, fell to the ground.

Shields says Wilson was an independent contractor hired by the property owner to cut down the tree.

He says it appears Wilson wasn't using a safety harness.