A man has been charged with manslaughter after allegedly crushing his co-workers head with a mechanical grapple.
According to the Dakota County government in Minnesota, 34-year-old Christopher Boone Crimmins is accused of second-degree manslaughter - in the form of culpable negligence creating unreasonable risk.
A criminal complaint, seen by Sky News, said he could face up to 10 years in prison if found guilty.
Authorities said that police were called to a report of a "severely injured man" at around 7pm on Thursday (1am on Friday in the UK).
Upon arrival, they found 26-year-old Tyler Lynch lying on the ground with a large amount of blood around his body and a significant injury to his head.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities said Crimmins, of Brainerd, and Mr Lynch were both employed by a tree trimming service and had recently arrived at a job site.
Crimmins was operating a mechanical grapple while Mr Lynch was on the ground, and manoeuvred it so it would appear to grab the top of his shadow.
Authorities added that he was not monitoring the actual grapple or his co-worker when he opened and closed the machine, striking or crushing the head of the 26-year-old.
In the criminal complaint, prosecutors said that Crimmins advised he and Mr Lynch were "f***ing around".
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Dakota County Attorney Kathy Keena said in a statement that she sends "my deepest condolences to Mr Lynch's family members and friends, and all those affected by his death".
Crimmins is currently in custody at the Dakota County Jail. His next court appearance is on 10 September.
(c) Sky News 2026: Man charged with manslaughter in Minnesota after 'crushing co-worker's head with grapple'
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