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GWINN -- A 50-year-old Gwinn man who owned a tree removal business was electrocuted Thursday on a job site in Marquette County, state officials said.
Jayson Dutiel of A Cut Above Tree and Lawn Care LLC was working Thursday at a private residence in Forsyth Township when a tree he cut fell onto a power line, according to the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
"Another worker used a skid steer to lift (Dutiel) so he could attempt to push the tree off the power line," MIOSHA stated online. "The victim was electrocuted and died at the scene."
A Cut Above Tree and Lawn Care, which offered a number of services including snowplowing, has excellent reviews online, with satisfied customers commenting on Dutiel's skill, diligence, friendliness, communication and efficiency. The company was first registered in Michigan in 2022, according to the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
A GoFundMe online campaign for his family -- wife Rebecca and children Kendall and Alex -- had raised $18,565 on 187 donations as of Monday evening, passing the $15,000 goal. It is at https://www.gofundme.com/f/helping-rebecca-and-kids-through-this-tragic-time.
Dutiel became the state's 32nd worker death recorded in 2026, according to MIOSHA; online records indicate it was the first of the year in the Upper Peninsula. There were 46 MIOSHA-related deaths in 2025; 2009 saw the lowest number with 24.
The tree care industry carries much higher risk for serious injuries than most other professions, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Deaths related to tree-trimming can result from falling from heights, getting caught under limbs or equipment, chainsaw kickbacks and electrical contact, according to the news release.
MIOSHA operates under the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. It urges employers and employees "to use extreme care and safety diligence in all work activities" and provides resources to help businesses maintain workplace safety.
"Every life is precious. Our mutual goal must be that every employee goes home at the end of every shift," MIOSHA states on its website.
MIOSHA's Consultation Education and Training Division provides workplace safety and health training and consultations to employers and employees throughout Michigan free of charge. People may contact CET at 800-866-4674 or submit a request online at www.michigan.gov/cetrca.
While the agency strives for prevention, MIOSHA also requests that fatalities and catastrophes be reported by calling 800-858-0397.