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Apple Valley tree worker charged in coworker's death

Christopher Boone Crimmins, 34, was charged with second-degree manslaughter after a hydraulic grapple crushed a coworker's head on Aug. 20, 2026, on 132nd Street West in Apple Valley.[1]

The 26-year-old victim died at the scene, and a witness said the grapple hit or pinched his head.[1] Investigators found blood on the grapple.[1]

Crimmins told officers they were "f--king around" using the grapple's shadow and that he did not see the equipment closing on the victim's head.[1]

He faces one count of second-degree manslaughter in Dakota County; bail was set at $40,000 without conditions and $20,000 with conditions, and an omnibus hearing is scheduled for Sept. 10, 2026.[1]

  1. FOX 9
Public Safety Legal
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📌 Key Facts

  • Christopher Boone Crimmins, 34, is charged in Dakota County with one count of second-degree manslaughter.
  • The incident occurred Aug. 20, 2026, on 132nd Street West in Apple Valley when a hydraulic grapple crushed a 26-year-old coworker’s head, killing him at the scene.
  • Crimmins told officers they were "f--king around" using the grapple’s shadow and that he did not see the equipment closing on the victim’s head.
  • A witness saw the grapple hit or pinch the victim’s head, and investigators found blood on the grapple.
  • Bail was set at $40,000 without conditions and $20,000 with conditions; an omnibus hearing is set for Sept. 10, 2026.

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