A Central Kitsap man was killed July 27 when a tree he was working on fell, crushing him.

Frank L. Johnson, 58, was pronounced dead by Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue emergency medical personnel at his home. His wife, who was home at the time of the accident, heard the tree fall and ran out of their home to find her husband underneath the fallen tree, according to the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO).

Sheriff’s deputies and deputy coroners from the Kitsap County Coroner’s Office conducted an investigation into the man’s death. The incident occurred around 1:40 p.m. on Johnson’s property in the 10700 block of Verissimo Lane NW in Central Kitsap.

Investigators believe that Johnson was in the process of using a chain saw to cut down the tree, which was approximately 14 inches in diameter. Johnson had rigged a manual come-along ratchet and cable device to secure the tree to a second tree nearby. This would keep the tree under control during the cutting process.

Investigators report that the cable failed and parted, causing the tree to fall in the opposite direction which Johnson intended. The tree landed on top of him as he attempted to get out of the way.

Johnson’s death appears to be accidental, according to KCSO.

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