By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – A 63-year-old Chehalis area man is dead after an accident during a tree clearing operation west of Napavine yesterday morning.
Multiple firefighters, EMTs and medics responded to the call just before 9 a.m. to residential property on the 800 block of Pleasant Valley Road.
The now-deceased man and his 68-year-old brother had been using a tree processor when a tree fell in an unexpected trajectory, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.
“The victim tried to outrun the falling tree but was unable to do so,” sheriff’s Chief Deputy Dusty Breen said this morning.
The older brother said he cleared away the tree debris and began CPR which he continued until aid arrived, Breen said. The younger brother sustained severe injuries to his head and chest, Breen said.
Breen said both men are experienced loggers, but were doing the work on their own property.
The sheriff’s office is conducting a death investigation.