Tree worker dies after falling from bucket truck

ROWLEY, Mass. — A tree worker died after a fall Thursday morning in Rowley.

A spokesperson for the Rowley Police Department tells Boston 25 News that the tree worker fell from the bucket of a bucket truck. Officials say the fall was approximately 50 feet.

The victim was identified as 34-year-old Salem, New Hampshire native David Bova. Bova was working for Mayer Tree Service, based out of Essex.

Bova was working on a tree next to an antique shop off of Main Street when he fell. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead after emergency responders say he suffered severe head trauma.

The news traveled fast in Rowley, but a store owner next door says many people hadn't realized the death had happened.

"He don't even know either, even customers don't say anything or nothing," Andy Patel said. "We are busy in the morning."

When the news did spread, sadness took over the neighbors in the area.

"I think it's really sad that something like this happens so close to home," Matt Donnelly said. "I think it'll impact the surrounding towns."

Donnelly used to work for a tree trimming service, but said the death was still unexpected, even in a dangerous job.

"There's chainsaws, there's extreme heights, you're working with a lot of heavy machinery," Donnelly said. "Most important thing is to double check all your safety equipment, make sure everything's tight, strapped up."

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the incident to see if proper safety measures were in place when the worker fell.

OSHA's website says Mayer Tree Service had no major violations in recent years.

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