Crime & Safety
Bergen DPW Worker Killed By Tree ID'd: County Executive
The man was fatally injured while clearing a tree in the Saddle River Thursday night, authorities said.
Authorities have released the identity of the Bergen County Department of Public Works employee who was killed when a tree fell on him Thursday afternoon.
Thomas Epper, 48, was a two-year heavy equipment operator for the county DPW, Bergen County Executive James Tedesco announced.
Epper worked in the DPW's mosquito division.
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"The Bergen County Family mourns with the Epper family," Tedesco said.
Tedesco described the work Epper was performing as "routine."
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Epper and four other workers were removing a tree at 5:15 p.m. at the Saddle River behind East Allendale Road when the bank gave way and the tree fell on him, according to a report on NorthJersey.com. By the time help arrived, it was too late, Kurpis said in the report.
Tedesco said Thursday that Epper was seriously injured and taken to Valley Hospital in serious condition.
A Bergen County spokesman Thursday said that the State Office of Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health will investigate the incident.
Related: Bergen County DPW Worker Dies After Tree Falls On Him: Report
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