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Worker electrocuted, dies while trimming tree in Fridley

Anoka County officials say a tree service employee died Thursday after accidentally making contact with a powerline.
Credit: BestStockFoto - stock.adobe.com

FRIDLEY, Minn. — A man is dead after being electrocuted while taking down a tree in Fridley Thursday night.  

The Anoka County Sheriff's Office says Fridley police were dispatched to a home on the 5200 block of Buchanan St. NE just before 8:30 a.m. Upon arrival, they learned that an employee of a private tree company was in a lift and in the process of removing a tree when his chainsaw made contact with a powerline.

The lift was lowered and first responders immediately began lifesaving measures. Unfortunately, they were not able to revive the man, and he was declared dead on the scene. Sheriff's officials identified the man as 51-year-old Johnny Lee Coleman Cotton of Minneapolis.

Officials say the fatal incident remains under investigation by the Fridley Police Department, Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office.

On Saturday, June 18, officials identified the man as 51-year-old Johnny Lee Coleman Cotton of Minneapolis.

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