HOWE TWP., Pa. (EYT) — Marienville-based State Police say an accidental death occurred at a remote wooded area off Forest Route 396B, northwest of Marienville, in Howe Township, Forest County.

According to police, the Marienville station is investigating an accidental death which occurred around 2:00 p.m. on November 10 at the above location.

The victim — 31-year-old Matthew Burton, of James City — was operating a log skidder when he was struck by a falling tree, police say.

According to Forest County Coroner Norman J. Wimer, a co-worker was cutting a tree, and it went in an unexpected direction hitting Mr. Burton.

Death was immediate, according to Mr. Wimer.

Mr. Wimer arrived at the scene around 4:13 p.m. and pronounced him deceased.

The cause of death was blunt force trauma to the torso.