Lakewood, Washington – Worker Dies After Getting Struck and Pinned by Felled Tree

Lakewood, Washington (August 17, 2019) – A tree service worker was killed at the 11300 block of Tower Road Southwest on Saturday afternoon in an accident. The worker, identified as  Robin Ruel Jr., was struck by a severed section of a tree and was pinned in place. He was pronounced dead on the scene, with fire crews later bringing his body down to ground level.

According to the report, Ruel Jr. was working fifty feet up a ninety-foot tree, with the top half of the tree attached to a crane. While he severed the upper forty-foot section of the tree, this section swung back against him and pinned him against the section of the tree on which he was standing. The Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office is determining the cause of death.

About Crush Injuries

We offer our sympathies and compassion for the friends and loves ones of the victim. Unfortunately, this is not the only fatal case of an accident involving a falling object. Accidents that involve objects falling on the victim result in what is called “crush” injuries. According to the Arrive Alive website, crush injuries can occur in any car accident, falls or a situation where a structure is collapsing. Even minor crush injuries can involve a lot of pain and discomfort – such injuries include bruising, lacerations, and sprained ankles. Major crush injuries involve parts of the body below the skin, and usually involve blunt force. Major crush injuries include head fractures, facial trauma, severe lacerations and blunt force chest-and-abdominal trauma, among others. Additionally, because of the events which lead up to crush injuries, victims will often require extrication or some kind of rescue to get them out of the dangerous situation.

While it is true accidents can happen, we urge everyone to do their part to ensure safety in their surroundings. Avoid  areas with hazards such as rockfalls and construction sites if possible, and be cautious if it is necessary. For their part, construction crews should adhere to safety guidelines and make sure that any equipment they use will not become a hazard for anyone else. Make sure that your own home is able to withstand any kind of rough weather, particularly if it’s a mobile home. Ensuring our safety can also ensure the safety of others.

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