Authorities: Falling tree hits, kills public works employee

SADDLE RIVER, N.J. (AP) - A public works employee taking part in a tree removal effort was killed when it fell on him in a northern New Jersey park.

Bergen County officials say Thomas Epper and four other workers were in the process of removing a tree that had partially fallen into the Saddle River when the accident occurred around 5:15 p.m. Thursday.

As Epper was cutting the tree, the root apparently gave way. He then fell into the river and was struck by the tree, which briefly trapped him.

He was freed a short time later and was taken to a hospital, but he was pronounced dead there a short time later.