Georgia Man Killed in Fiery Tree-Cutting Accident

Associated Press

ALBANY, Ga. (AP) -- A Dougherty County man was killed in a tree-cutting accident Tuesday when he was crushed by the tree, then burned when a fire ignited the grass around him.

Reggie Barnnett, 47, was trying to cut down the tree behind his girlfriend's house Tuesday afternoon by tying it to his father's pickup truck and driving to pull it down.

The tree apparently fell in the wrong direction and landed on top of the vehicle, crushing the cab and trapping him inside. The truck's engine then overheated, igniting the grass and then the truck itself.

Police said Barnnett's body was found burned beyond recognition. But they said he probably was dead before the truck caught fire.

Barnnett was an associate pastor at Hines Memorial Church and worked with the youth group.

http://cms.firehouse.com/content/article/article.jsp?sectionId=46&id=37707

Submitted on 12/22/2004

Submitted by: JM
Reference: AP (firehouse.com) 12-22-04

Copyright © 2004 DarwinAwards.com

Jack said:
Neutral: Darwin Award
If he was trying to remove a tree by pulling it down with a truck, then it seems like a clear case of Darwin grade stupidity to me. Once again, Newton supports Darwin!

Daniel said:
Neutral: Darwin Award
Pulling a tree down with a truck. Pretty stupid. I'd like a better write up, though.

Charles said:
Maybe Toss: Other
Didn't we see this one before?

Jason said:
Neutral: Darwin Award
This is really a good example of cause and effect.

Jorge said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award

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