Maple Tree Falls On and Kills Cherry Valley’s Robert Lusk

Otsego County sheriffs determined Robert Lusk, 66, of 603 Van Derweker Road, Cherry Valley, was fatally struck from behind by a previously cut maple tree that fell on him as he was cutting a log.

The investigation concluded that Lusk died at the scene Monday night from internal injuries caused by the blunt force trauma.

Otsego County emergency 911 received a call at 6:40 p.m. from a Cherry Valley resident reporting that there was a man trapped under a tree off Van Derwerker Road.

Cherry Valley Fire Department and emergency squad as well as the Otsego County sheriff’s deputies and investigators responded to the scene, which was approximately 0.3 miles into the woods.

County coroner Michael Fox also responded to the scene, where he pronounced Lusk dead.