ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. — The Anderson County coroner said a tree trimmer was not using safety equipment when he plunged more than 60 feet to his death.
Coroner Greg Shore said 36-year-old Gerald Culler Jr. died instantly from head and neck injuries when he hit a driveway after falling Tuesday morning.
Investigators said Culler was cutting the top off a pine tree in Pendleton when it fell down and hit the basket lift he was in, turning the basket upside-down.
Authorities said Culler told the employee working the lift that he was a professional and didn't need the safety equipment, leaving it on the ground.
Investigators said Culler was self-employed with a business he called Anderson Arbor Pros.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.