Tree surgeon dies after falling into wood chipper as tributes paid to 'friend'

Joseph 'Joey' Wesley Manire was cutting trees in Owensboro, Kentucky, US, and is said to have become entangled in the festive lights and fell into the chopping machine

A tree surgeon has died after falling into wood chipper while tangled in Christmas lights.

Joseph 'Joey' Wesley Manire, 46, was cutting trees in Kentucky, US when he became entangled in the festive lights and then fell part of the way into the chopping machine where he suffered traumatic injuries.

Emergency workers rushed to his aid but he was pronounced him dead at the scene.

After Manire's tragic death, tributes have poured in and friend Gregory Huntley said the death of "good ole' country boy" will devastate many.

He posted on Facebook, he said: "You left behind a river of tears this morning and that river will grow into an ocean as the news reaches others.

"God doesn't make men like you anymore. I'm thankful to have had a good ol' country boy like you in my life as a friend."

The spectacle attracts hundreds to the centre of town, but visitors were turned away and asked to come back on another night after the tragedy.

Organisers wrote on Facebook on Monday: "There has been an accident concerning a landscaping business across the street from our display.

"Local authorities have our neighbourhood blocked off at the moment."

The festive lights, however remained switched on to "help light the area" and for medical staff who attended the scene.

It has been confirmed there will be an investigation into the incident, but no foul play was suspected.

The Mirror reported the accident was connected with a landscaping business across the street from the local attraction, which draws many visitors at this time of year.

Emergency responders worked at the scene into the night after the horror accident which happened around 5pm on Monday.

According to a statement from Daviess County Sheriff's Office, the 46-year-old male tree trimmer was left with traumatic injuries after partially falling into the wood chipper in the town of Owensboro, Kentucky.

Reports then suggested he became tangled before falling into the machine.

In a statement posted online, the organisers of Owensboro Christmas Lights called on people to visit a different night.

It read: "Please be cautious and extra aware if you are traveling in our area tonight. There has been an accident concerning a landscaping business across the street from our display.

"Local authorities have our neighbourhood blocked off at the moment.

"We have the lights on to help light the area for the first responders, but please plan to visit the display a different night."

A police release on Monday said: "A local tree trimming contractor was doing some work, when an employee became tangled and fell partially into a wood chipper,"

There were 113 wood chipper-related deaths from 1982 to 2016 according to a 2018 study by the National Library of Medicine.

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