Christopher Crimmins claimed he and co-worker Tyler Lynch were playing with shadows as he operated a hydraulic grapple

NEED TO KNOW

• Christopher Crimmins was charged with second-degree manslaughter after allegedly crushing his co-worker’s head with a hydraulic grapple
• Tyler Lynch suffered a head injury and was pronounced dead at the scene
• Crimmins said he and Lynch were “f—ing around” at the time of the incident

A Minnesota man has been charged after allegedly crushing his co-worker’s head while playing with equipment on a work site.

Christopher Boone Crimmins, 34, was charged with one count of second-degree manslaughter after the incident at a work site for a tree trimming company, according to a news release from Dakota County.

The Apple Valley Police Department responded to a report of an incident involving a severely injured man and a truck with a hydraulic grapple on Thursday, Aug. 20, at around 7 p.m. local time. 

Officers found Tyler Anthony Lynch, 26, on the ground with blood around his body and a head injury. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The two had recently arrived at the job site at the time of the incident.

Crimmins told police that he and Lynch were playing with shadows as he was operating the grapple and Lynch was picking up branches from the ground. They noticed the shadows of the grapple, and Lynch prompted Crimmins to move the grapple so its shadow appeared to be grabbing Lynch’s shadow.

Crimmins then opened and closed the grapple, crushing Lynch’s head. Crimmins claimed he was not monitoring the actual grapple or Lynch at the time.

Crimmins is currently being held at the Dakota County Jail. His bond has been set at $40,000 without conditions or $20,000 with conditions.

He will next appear in court on Sept. 10. 

The complaint, viewed by PEOPLE, states that Crimmins faces up to 10 years in prison.

“My deepest condolences to Mr. Lynch’s family members and friends, and all those affected by his death,” county attorney Kathy Keena said.

Crimmins told police he was unaware of any mechanical issues with the equipment, per the complaint. 

He said he and Lynch were “f—ing around” when the incident occurred.

A witness saw the grapple come toward Lynch and either “hit or pinch” his head, per the complaint. There was blood on the grapple directly above Lynch.

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According to Lynch’s Facebook page, he had been working in professional tree services since 2021.

“Absolutely no words. Tyler is my stepbrother. Sending all the prayers possible for my stepdad,” family member Charles Gallagher wrote on Facebook.

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