Lost a friend and family member

[reswire]

Last week, a friend and distant cousin of mine, lost his life while felling a walnut tree in Southern Maryland.  The details are somewhat sketchy, but it appears he was cutting the tree alone, near dusk and during a high wind situation.  He had his escape trail clearly cut, and had over 30 years experience as a professional tree trimmer and removal person.  His training included numerous hours of safety instruction, as he was an employee of a local utility company that employed him in this field.  Somehow, when the tree fell, it fell directly in the path he had planned and trimmed to escape with, crushing him face down in the ground.  That night, his body was recovered by the rescue squad, and his wife and children were present to witness the event.
 
Christmas time will never be the same for his family, their life forever changed by a tragic accident.  Like the previous post, I've been told the area around the tree was thick with undergrowth and vines, and all of his friends were at a lost for why he was cutting late in the evening, on a windy day, and alone.  Sometimes we trust our experience too much, and take risks we would never advise others to do.  My friend had just turned 62, and I was told was due to retire the next week.  He and his wife had planned to travel in retirement, and spend the rest of their life enjoying the company of their family and friends.  Unfortunately, that dream will not be coming true for them.

I just hope everyone on this forum has a safe and joyous New Year, free from accidents and sadness.  Be safe, trust your instincts, and foremost do not take unnecessary risks.

[sawguy21]

I am really saddened to hear of your loss, that is tough. Alone, near dusk and a high wind is a dangerous combination, sounds like he was in a hurry, got careless and it bit him.

[Magicman]

That was so sad to read, and I send my condolences to his family.

[drobertson]

I really hate to hear this,, all too often we hear about the experienced ones getting caught off guard,, one never really knows the day or the hour,,  Our prayers are going out to yalls family,

[samandothers]

So sorry to hear this.  Prayers for him and his family.

[Chuck White]

Our condolences to the family!

[clww]

Very tough to read that sad story.
Prayers go up for the family members left behind.

[Ron Scott]

Very sad! Especially at this time of year.

[reswire]

Thank you for the prayers, and kind thoughts.  I know his family will need them.