Brainerd Man Charged in Fatal Apple Valley Worksite Incident

A Brainerd man is charged with second-degree manslaughter following the death of a coworker at an Apple Valley tree-trimming site.

Dakota County prosecutors say 34-year-old Christopher Crimmins was operating a hydraulic grapple Thursday evening while 26-year-old Tyler Lynch of Royalton was picking up branches.

According to the criminal complaint, Crimmins was watching the shadows of the equipment and Lynch while moving the grapple and was not monitoring their actual positions. Prosecutors allege he closed the grapple on Lynch, causing fatal injuries.

Crimmins remains in the Dakota County Jail. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 10th. The charge is an allegation, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Source: Dakota County Attorney’s Office.