SOUTHWICK – Tyler Granfield, 28, was killed yesterday doing what he loved – working on trees.
The owner of Tyler Tree Service, Granfield was cutting a tree at 42 Donamor Lane in East Longmeadow yesterday afternoon when the tragedy occurred.
The death remains under investigation but police say it appears to be an accident.
According to East Longmeadow Police Sgt. Pat Manley, Granfield was pinned by a large tree limb that fell in a different direction than expected.
“The call came in to the police department just after 3:30 p.m. yesterday,” said Manley this morning. “When officers arrived, the man was on the ground not breathing.”
Manley said police initiated efforts to resuscitate Granfield immediately. American Medical Response was also on the scene and rushed Granfield to Baystate Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
“Three of his employees cut away a portion of the tree that was pinning him so when officers arrived he was already cut loose from the tree,” said Manley.
Granfield was between the tree and a garage when it fell. The trunk was about two feet thick.
Granfield, the son of Kerry and Trina Granfield of Southwick, often worked with the Southwick Department of Public Works.
DPW Director Jeffrey Neece said he was a “hard worker.”
“Tyler was dedicated and focused,” said Neece. “Even at his young age he was one of the best in the tree business.”
Neece, who is close to the family, said Granfield was a good man.
“I cannot say enough about Tyler,” he said. “He was ahead of his age. I knew him professionally and as a friend. It is terrible.”
DPW Engineer Richard Grannells said Granfield’s death will touch numerous people.
“He was absolutely super,” said Grannells. “Tyler was great and will be missed.”
The federal Office of Occupational Health and Safety Administration was notified and responded to the scene.
