Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a tree stand fall that occurred in rural Fountain County Friday afternoon. At approximately 2 p.m., the Fountain-Warren County Regional Dispatch Center dispatched first responders to a wooded area northeast of Attica in response to a man with a leg injury.
The preliminary investigation at the scene indicated Michael Newgent, 69, of Lafayette, was approximately 15 feet off the ground in a hang on tree stand. He was attempting to remove the safety strap from the tree located just above the tree stand. The top strap of the hang on stand broke, causing Newgent to fall to the ground. The strap securing the hang on stand to the tree was worn and weathered. Newgent was not wearing a tree stand safety harness at the time of the fall.
Newgent was transported to IU Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette for treatment of a possible fractured leg. This incident is still under investigation.
Indiana Conservation Officers urge everyone using a tree stand to wear a safety harness. It is also important to check the condition of all equipment, including straps prior to use.