On 06/21/2012 at 9:17 am the Gaston County Police Department, GEMS, local rescue and fire departments, responded to a 911 call on Blacksnake Rd just outside the city limits of Stanley. An employee of Dustin Ellis Logging Company called to report a fellow employee had been crushed by a falling tree. Emergency responders arrived and found Michael Scott Wyatt, age 35, of Gastonia, NC deceased. Mr. Wyatt had been cutting down a large tree when the base of the tree landed on top of him as it fell. Workers at the site tried to free Mr. Wyatt from underneath the tree but he had already succumbed to his injuries.
This case is still under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Gaston County Police Department at (704) 866-3320.
For more information contact Sergeant M.K. Shelor at (704) 866-3332.