'State Of Shock' After N.J. Man Killed In Horrific Wood Chipper Accident

He was known to take risks, and he could do just about anything, it seemed. But nobody could ever see this coming to Hayden Balboa.

Now a community is in mourning after the 24-year-old New Jersey man was killed in what apparently was a horrific wood chipper accident this past week, authorities said.

"Friends (myself included) are still in a state of shock and I cannot speak for the family itself but I urge that you please give them courtesy and respect. Thank you again," said Anthony Malgapo, a friend.

The Hunterdon County landscaper was killed while operating a wood chipper on Thursday, the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office told News12.

Balboa, of Washington Township, was working at a home on Musconetcong Road in Lebanon Township when the accident occurred on Thursday, according to reports and friends on social media.

Balboa, who is listed as a 2010 graduate of Voorhees High School in Glen Gardner, according to NJ Advance Media, was an experienced motorbike rider who competed in various competitions (see below).

Balboa, whose death appeared to be accidental, was part of a family that owner SMY Landscaping in Califon. Here are tributes from family and friends:

We'll have more information as it comes in. Some paid tribure to Balboa online.

Photos courtesy Balboa family and friends