At approximately 7:40 p.m. the evening of Wednesday,June 15, 36-year-old Nelson resident Brett K. Armstrong was killed in a logging accident, one mile into the woods behind 3926 Old State Road in Nelson.
According to a report released by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Armstrong was a professional logger, working on private property with permission from the owner. As Armstrong downed a tree, it fell into a nearby tree, causing an approximately 15-inch thick limb to break from the standing tree and strike him.
Armstrong was pronounced dead on the scene, and was transported to the Onondaga County Medical Examiner’s Office. Although Armstrong was wearing protective safety gear, the falling branch caused multiple traumatic injuries. Following an autopsy and investigation by Madison County Sheriff’s Deputies, the incident was ruled an accident.
Armstrong was born in Cooperstown Oct. 17, 1974, and studied at SUNY E.S.F, receiving his degree in 1997. He started his own business, Back Forty Habitat and Timber Management, and was an active member of the Peterboro Conservation Club as well as the New York Forest Owners Association.
Funeral services have been scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 22, at the United Methodist Church on Lincklaen Street in Cazenovia.
Calling hours were held from 3 to 7 p.m. at Dimbledy, Friedel, Williams and Edmunds Funeral Home, located at 365 West Main St. in West Winfield.
