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Co-Worker: Tree Trimmer Pulled Into Wood Chipper

SHELBY TWP. (WWJ/AP) - Police say a 45-year-old man was killed in a tree-trimming accident Tuesday in Shelby Township.

Police say Shawn Needham, the owner of Fella's Tree Service, died of injuries following the accident.

Lynn Pace, who is Needham's girlfriend and co-worker, told WDIV Needham was killed after apparently being pulled into a wood chipper while on the job.

Pace said she was working near Needham at the time when she heard an unusual noise coming from the wood chipper.

"When I got close to the chipper, another gentleman told me there was a man in the chipper. That was my Shawn. I ran over and shut it off. I was too late. There was nothing anybody could do," Pace told WDIV.

Needham had been in the tree trimming business for 26 years. He is survived by two daughters and a grandson.

The death is under investigation.

TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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