Lansing, MI (September 2, 2023) - The death of a worker who was pruning trees following last week's severe storms was verified by state authorities on Thursday, and an investigation has begun.

An employee of Our Family's Tree & Mulch in Ohio died, and the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration is looking into the cause of death. On Friday afternoon, a published phone number for the company suddenly stopped working.

According to a statement released by the Lansing Board of Water & Light, the worker was electrocuted Thursday morning after touching a wire. At 10:25 a.m., deputies from the Eaton County Sheriff's Office were sent to the 4000 block of Norwick Street in Delta Township, just outside of Lansing, in response to an unspecified incident.

According to the statement, BWL personnel offered to assist first responders in removing the casualty from a tree, despite the fact that the worker was not affiliated with the municipal utility.

The identity of the employee is still unknown. Chief Gregg Ginebaugh of the Delta Township Fire Department has not responded to queries on the incident.

According to an email from OSHA spokesman Mike Krafcik, the agency is unable to comment on an ongoing investigation.

Our deepest condolences go out to the deceased man's family.