Tree Trimmer Killed In 50-Foot Fall

Thu., July 1, 1999

From Staff

An experienced tree trimmer who fell to his death this week while cutting branches east of town accidentally unhooked his safety lines, sheriff’s deputies said Wednesday.

Gregory Don Siebert, 45, was trimming tree limbs Monday afternoon in a vacant lot in the 3300 block of East Harrison Avenue when he slipped, according to Kootenai County sheriff’s deputies. Siebert fell about 50 feet, landing on his neck and shoulder.

An autopsy determined Siebert died of massive internal injuries.

Witnesses told deputies Siebert had been trying to reposition himself when he lost his balance. Detectives who investigated the accident found no evidence of faulty equipment or foul play.

Siebert was part of a four-person Specialty Tree Service crew trimming and chipping branches. Deputies said Siebert had worked as a tree trimmer for 20 years.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.

Tree Trimmer Killed In 50-Foot Fall

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

72-year-old Spokane motorcyclist dies in I-90 crash in Cd'A

‘A chilling image’: Judge rules on appeal in Meridian man’s viral arrest

Boundary County man accused of shooting at law enforcement was intoxicated, searching for police on his property, deputy says