ST. PETER — Authorities in Nicollet County say a 25-year-old tree trimmer has died after falling about 20 feet from a tree in which he was working.

Sheriff’s deputy Karl Jensen identified the man as Murray Christopher Purdue of Minneapolis.

Jensen said Purdue was part of a four-man crew working Thursday morning on a tree outside a Lake Prairie Township home. He said Purdue was leaning on a branch and didn’t realize it was rotted on the inside.

Jensen said the branch gave way and Purdue plunged to the ground, even though he was using proper safety devices.

The other three crew members were unhurt.

Jensen called the accident “just one of those unfortunate acts of God, an unforeseen circumstance.”