Cops: Owner of Setauket tree-trimming company dies after fall
The owner of a Setauket tree-trimming company died of injuries after the tree he was working on Monday cracked and split apart at a Stony Brook preserve, Suffolk police said.
Erik Halvorsen, 45, was pronounced dead at Stony Brook University Hospital, police said.
Halvorsen, the owner of Norse Tree Service, was in a harness 50 feet up a tree he was trying to cut down at about 11:15 a.m. at the Avalon Park and Preserve, police said.
Suddenly, the tree trunk splintered and trapped Halvorsen against the tree, police said. Halvorsen was wearing a safety harness and attempted to free himself but fell 20 feet. A co-worker was able to lower Halvorsen to the ground, police said.
An ambulance transported Halvorsen to Stony Brook University Hospital where he was pronounced dead, police said.
Homicide detectives were investigating. Parks officials could not be immediately reached.
SARRA SOUNDS OFF: The shortage of game officials on LI On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra talks to young people who are turning to game officiating as a new career path.
SARRA SOUNDS OFF: The shortage of game officials on LI On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra talks to young people who are turning to game officiating as a new career path.
