Florida Tree Trimmer Dies After He Unexpectedly Gets Pulled into Wood Chipper: 'Terrible Tragedy'

Mar. 15, 2025

Tree trimmer dies in wood chipper accident in Ocean Ridge, Florida.

A Florida tree trimmer has died after getting caught in a wood chipper.

The tragic accident occurred at around 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 28 as a contracted tree trimming vendor was working at Ocean Ridge Town Hall, the Ocean Ridge Police Department announced in a Facebookpost.

“Upon arrival, Ocean Ridge officers found one person had died from injuries sustained in the accident, no other individuals on scene sustained injuries,” police said. “The OSHA [Occupational Safety and Health American Society] has been notified and is in route.”

The man has not yet officially been identified though he is believed to have family members in Mexico, according toCBS 12. He was reportedly working with Carlton’s Tree Service at the time of the accident.

Ocean Ridge Town Hall.Google Maps

Google Maps

The accident reportedly happened within 30 minutes of the victim starting work.

Ladner added that the wood chipper was built with an emergency shut-off switch, but the accident happened so quickly the man’s co-workers didn’t have time to activate it, reported CBS 12.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The town manager shared that the owner of Carlton’s Tree Service is helping the victim’s family with arrangements for a funeral in Mexico and in the U.S., according to CBS 12.

The investigation is ongoing.

PEOPLE has contacted the Ocean Ridge Police and the town manager for further comment at this time.

source: people.com