Man charged with manslaughter after incident involving tree-trimming equipment

Aug. 21, 2026

Christopher Boone Crimmins, 34, of Brainerd, was charged* today with one count of second-degree manslaughter (culpable negligence creating unreasonable risk), announced Dakota County Attorney Kathy Keena.

According to the criminal complaint, Aug. 20 at approximately 7 p.m., Apple Valley police officers responded to a report of an incident involving a severely injured man and a truck with a hydraulic grapple.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found 26-year-old Tyler Anthony Lynch, of Royalton, lying on the ground with a large amount of blood around his body and a significant injury to his head. Lynch was pronounced deceased.

Crimmins told officers that he and the victim, who are both employed by a tree trimming service, had recently arrived at a job site. Crimmins was operating the grapple and Lynch was on the ground picking up branches. The two observed shadows of the grapple and the victim. Crimmins then maneuvered the grapple so that its shadow appeared to grab the shadow of Lynch. Crimmins was not monitoring the actual grapple or Lynch. He then opened and closed the grapple, crushing Lynch’s head.

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

Crimmins is currently in custody at the Dakota County Jail. Bail was set for $40,000 without conditions ($20,000 with conditions) by Judge Adam Johnson. His next court appearance is Sept. 10 at 1:30 p.m. in Hastings.

County Attorney Keena thanked the Apple Valley Police Department for the investigation of this incident.

A summary of the facts pertaining to this case can be found in the criminal complaint at Criminal Complaint Search. 

*Criminal charges are not evidence of guilt. A defendant/suspect is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ​