Tree Trimmer Dies After 50-Foot Fall from Cherry Picker in Anderson County

Tree Trimmer Dies After 50-Foot Fall from Cherry Picker in Anderson County

Anderson County, SC – A devastating workplace accident claimed the life of a 51-year-old tree trimmer, Daniel Christopher Brown Sr., on Thursday afternoon. Brown tragically fell approximately 40 to 50 feet from a cherry picker while trimming trees at a private residence in the Centerville community. The incident has left his family and the local community in shock and mourning.

The accident occurred around 1:50 p.m. on Sunny Lane, where Brown had been contracted to clear tree branches for a homeowner. Witnesses reported that Brown was using the elevated platform of a cherry picker to reach high branches when he suddenly fell, landing in a creek near the worksite. Emergency responders arrived promptly after receiving distress calls, but despite their efforts, Brown was pronounced dead at the scene. The Anderson County Coroner’s Office confirmed his death and is leading an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fall.

Authorities are currently examining multiple factors that may have contributed to the accident. Key areas of focus include potential equipment failure, adherence to safety protocols, and environmental conditions at the time of the incident. Investigators are working to determine whether proper harnessing and safety measures were in place or if any mechanical defects in the cherry picker could have played a role.

As of now, no official findings have been released, and it remains unclear whether external factors such as weather conditions or ground stability influenced the tragic fall. Industry experts note that falls from elevated platforms are among the leading causes of workplace fatalities in construction and tree trimming. This has prompted renewed calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and the need for regular maintenance checks on equipment used in high-risk tasks.

The death of Brown has sent ripples through the Centerville community, where he was well-known and respected. Neighbors described him as a dedicated professional who took pride in his work. “He was always meticulous and careful,” one resident shared. “It’s hard to believe something like this could happen.”

The loss has also been deeply felt by Brown’s family, who are struggling to come to terms with the sudden and tragic nature of his passing. Friends and loved ones are rallying around the family to offer support during this difficult time.

This tragedy sheds light on the broader issue of worker safety in high-risk industries. According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls are the leading cause of death in construction, accounting for nearly 35% of all fatalities in the sector. Employers are required to provide workers with proper fall protection systems, including harnesses and guardrails, while ensuring that all equipment is routinely inspected and maintained.

Tree trimming, in particular, presents unique challenges, as workers often operate at significant heights and face unpredictable environmental factors such as unstable ground, strong winds, or uneven tree branches. Experts emphasize the importance of comprehensive training, regular safety drills, and adherence to industry-standard protocols to minimize risks.

As investigations continue, the incident on Sunny Lane serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers inherent in elevated work. Brown’s untimely death highlights the critical importance of safety measures in protecting workers from preventable tragedies.

While authorities work to uncover the specific cause of this accident, the focus now turns to supporting Brown’s grieving family and ensuring that lessons are learned to prevent such incidents in the future. For now, the Centerville community mourns the loss of a man who was more than a skilled worker—he was a beloved neighbor, friend, and father.