KITCHENER -- A 64-year-old man has died after he was hit by a tree that he had been cutting in Paris, Ont.
According to the Ontario Provincial Police, it happened on the grounds of Camp Tekahionwake, a Girl Guide camp, at around 3 p.m. Thursday.
Two men were reportedly cutting a tree down when it fell in a direction they weren't expecting. That's when one of the two men was hit.
The man was airlifted to hospital with what police described as "life-altering injuries." He later died of those injuries, which police said were to his upper body.
OPP Const. Ken Johnston said he spoke to the man at a nearby business only hours before the fatal incident.
"He really enjoyed doing this in his retirement, he found it rewarding, very fulfilling," Johnston said. "I know he said it was a very nice, unstressful way to spend a nice day outside. When I say it's a great loss, it is."
Police have not publicly identified the man, but have said that he was from the County of Brant.
An emailed statement from Girl Guides of Canada identified him as Jerry Manel.
The other person was not injured in the incident.
"Girl Guides of Canada expresses its deepest condolences to the family of Jerry Manel following the accident at Camp Teka yesterday," a statement from the group said. "Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we are not commenting further at this time."
The OPP said he was employed part-time by the camp and the community is devastated by the loss.
"He was just a really nice, caring, good part of our community, always had a kind word to say," Johnston said.
No criminal charges are expected.
The Ministry of Labour has been called in to investigate.
