WHITEWATER, Wis. — A 29-year-old man was killed while performing tree clearing in Whitewater on Monday morning. He was found suspended approximately 60 feet high in a tree in a back lot on W. Laurel Street, according to the Whitewater Fire Department.
The 29-year-old was part of a crew subcontracted by WE Energies to perform tree clearing in the area of S. Elizabeth Street, W. Court Street and W. Laurel Street, according to the fire department.
The crew’s supervisor reported hearing a “loud bang and a flash” and believed the tree had been struck by lightning, the fire department said, adding that there was no evidence immediately available on scene to suggest the worker contacted energized electrical lines.
Watch: Man killed clearing trees in Whitewater:
Fire crews attempted to reach the worker but were unable to due to the tree’s distance from the road. Members of the tree trimming crew then ascended the tree and lowered the worker, who was wearing a safety harness, to the ground, where an EMS crew was waiting.
He was pronounced dead at the scene. The worker’s identity is being withheld until next of kin can be notified.
A spokesperson for Davey Tree confirmed that the 29-year-old who was killed was one of its team members, and offered the following statement:
“We are very sorry to report that a Davey Tree team member was fatally injured this morning at a work site in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Unfortunately, we do not have many details yet to share. Right now, our concern is for our employee’s family, coworkers and friends, and we are reaching out to them to determine how we can provide support during this tragic time.”
The Walworth County Medical Examiner and the Whitewater Police Department will conduct the death investigation.
It’s about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device.
Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.
