THORNDIKE, Maine — A 75-year-old Thorndike man died Saturday, Feb. 11 when a tree apparently fell on him.
The Waldo County Sheriff’s Office reported that the department was called shortly after 10 a.m. to the Parson’s Valley Road where Clair Lewis was cutting wood on his property. According to a news release from the sheriff’s office, Lewis was able to call for help.
He was taken to MaineGeneral Medical Center’s Thayer campus in Waterville where he later died from his injuries.
Deputy Gerry Lincoln and Detective Jason Bosco are investigating the incident.
I’ve spent years in the woods of Maine cutting down trees for trails. I’ve been surprised by what trees do once I’ve cut them at the trunk. I look at the trees and surrounding trees. I’m an expert at using specific techniques to drop trees where I want them, and 90% of the time I succeed. Every year that goes by I get less interested in cutting down trees because I know one day my luck will run out. I carefully note the first three or four places the tree might fall and try to cut it so it falls in one of those places. I won’t cut until everybody else is further away than the height of the tree. I’ve had trees roll as they fell and land right where I was standing as I dove out of the way. I’ve had trees suddenly jump off their stumps down to the ground and thankfully not on me by mere inches and fall in a completely unexpected direction. I’ve had chain saws buck and suddenly cut me.
What happened to this man was probably not a complete surprise to him just as it won’t be a surprise to me. I just hope that when that tree takes me it does so immediately at the scene and not hours or days later at a hospital. My heart goes out to the family and friends of this man.
Yes woods work is Very dangerous. Can’t be too careful. For selective cutting, I add a rope and come-a-long to Insure fell placement when the outcome may be questionable. I know “production” woodcutters may not take the time to include this safety method, but I like staying alive and in one piece.
Please stay alert, work deliberately and quit when you’re tired.
Sincere condolences to the family.
Very thoughtful post with good tips and cautionary advice. I’m a weekend chainsawer, but stopped sawing standing trees a while ago. I let professionals do that.
RIP Claire. My thoughts are with you, Mary, Chris and Barbara.
Thirty plus years of cutting wood has taught me to not work tired, don’t take chances, and do not hurry. But, the most valuable lesson is that I could be next. RIP Mr. Lewis.
So sorry to hear this my thoughts are with you Mary and family
Condolences to the family and friends of gentleman.
SAD :(
RIP working man