Madison County (WSYR-TV) -- A 22-year-old Vernon Center man was killed after becoming trapped under a tree during a logging accident Friday morning.
Madison County Sheriffs were called to the scene at 4188 Route 20, near the intersection of Larson Road, at around 11 a.m. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the accident happened in some woods behind a residence at that location.
The victim, Matthew J. Stevens, was pronounced dead at Community Memorial Hospital in Hamilton.
An investigation revealed that Stevens, along with three other people, was logging on private property – with permission – when he attempted to pull down an 82 foot tree with a chain attached to a tractor. When pulled, authorities say the tree fell on top of the tractor Stevens was operating.
Stevens’ body has been taken to the Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.
