Pennsylvania teen dies after getting pulled into woodchipper

A Pennsylvania teen died after he was partially pulled into a woodchipper while he worked, according to officials.

Isiah Bedocs, 17, was among a crew working to remove trees in North Whitehall Township when the gruesome incident unfolded on Tuesday around 1:40 p.m., Lehigh Valley Live reported. Police said his clothes became tangled up in the machinery just before he was “partly pulled into a commercial woodchipper.”

Bedocs was rushed to Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest, where he died hours later from “multiple traumatic injuries,” according to the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office. Coroner Daniel Buglio confirmed on Wednesday that the teen’s death has since been ruled accidental.

A neighbor who witnessed the accident told WPVI-TV that crews had been working in the area over the last several days. A homeowner said that they were looking to have 10 trees taken down and hired the teen’s crew to do the job.

Bedoc had been working with a tree removal service for the summer when the tragedy occurred. He’d been gearing up to begin his senior year at Lehigh Career and Technical Institute, where he was enrolled in the auto technology program.

The institute said its community “is mourning” the loss.

“Our hearts are with his family members and friends as they grapple with this unimaginable tragedy,” the school said in a statement to People. Counselors are available for students and staff “who may be struggling in the wake of his death.”

The Pennsylvania State Police, Bethlehem Criminal Investigation Unit and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration continue to investigate.