How sad for this man and his children:
Man accidently kills wife with chainsaw
Investigators say no foul play involved
Updated: Monday, 11 May 2009, 12:42 PM EDT
OTSEGO, Mich. (WOOD) - The human resources director for Allegan County was killed in a chainsaw accident Sunday afternoon.
The incident happened around 2:05 p.m. at the couple's home, 765 Woodlea Drive in Otsego.
Deb and Jerry Daniels were trying to cut down a tree in their yard when she was hit in the neck with the chainsaw her husband was operating.
"I heard a cry for help, so I came outside and at that time I saw what was going on, and I rendered as much aid as I possibly could," said David Labonte, a neighbor and deputy for the Allegan County Sheriff's Department. "I'm glad that based on my position that I was the one that was the first to respond."
But nothing could help the 39-year-old woman. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Labonte said he cannot relate to what Deb's husband is feeling.
"I just can't even imagine," he said. "It's something I can't even fathom what he must be going through at this moment."
Investigators will continue to look into the details of what went wrong, but say there appears to be no foul play.
"In my mind personally, not having anything to do with the investigation, I honestly believe it was an accident," Labonte said. "I never heard them fight. They've always gotten along whenever you talked to them. He lived for her, she lived for him."
People in the neighborhood say the couple is loved very much.
Allegan County sent an e-mail regarding the accident to staff members that stated "Right now our thoughts and prayers are with her husband, her parents, and family...Deb's warm friendly personality touched those around her, and she will be sorely missed."
Funeral arrangements are still pending.
