An American tree trimmer died after falling into a wood chipper while working near a holiday display, local authorities said.
Joseph “Joey” Wesley Manire, 46, was trimming trees in the Stonegate area of ​​Owensboro Monday when he got caught in the Christmas lights.
He suffered traumatic injuries when he partially fell into the path of a wood chipper, the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to The Owensboro Times.
First responders said Manire died at the scene around 5pm.
The sheriff’s office wrote in a statement, according to, “A local tree trimming contractor was doing some work when an employee became tangled and fell partially into a wood chipper,” reports Metro.
The sheriff’s office launched an investigation into the incident and said a crime is not suspected.
The Hopkinsville, Kentucky native worked at McEnroe Tree Service, according to the public memorial page for him.
The incident appears to have taken place near the Owensboro Christmas Lights, an annual light show.
Organizers urged people to be “cautious” if traveling near the area on Monday.
“There has been an accident concerning a landscaping business across the street from our display. Local authorities have our neighbourhood blocked off at the moment,” organisers wrote on Facebook, reports Metro.
Gregory Huntley, a friend of Manire’s, commented on the post: “I think that was my really good friend. I’m literally just finding out he was killed. You left behind a river of tears this morning and that river will grow into an ocean as the news reaches others,” reports Metro.
Manire’s funeral will be held today at Dogwood Funerals & Cremations in Crofton.
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