Logger dies while topping tree in southwestern Washington

CASTLE ROCK, Wash. (AP) — A self-employed logger from Ridgefield has died after he fell from a tree in the Castle Rock area.

The Daily News of Longview reports that 60-year-old Dale Buck died Thursday morning when he was topping trees.

Chief criminal deputy for the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office Charlie Rosenzweig says as the topped-off section fell, it shook the tree and Buck fell at least 30 feet. Authorities believe Buck died instantly.

Rosenzweig says Buck's safety harness appeared to not have been properly secured.

Buck was self-employed under a company called The Treeman. Because he was working for himself, the state will not investigate the accident.