Community mourns loss of Oneida County area emergency dispatcher in what has been described as a “freak” accident

ONEIDA COUNTY- The local community is mourning the loss of an area dispatcher in the wake of what has been described as a “freak” accident.

Emergency responders were called out to reports of a traumatic injury sometime around 9:30 a.m. Saturday to an address on the Gillette Road, town of Western.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Tanner Ofalt, 27, of Western, NY was cutting trees down on his property. Investigators say it appears that one of the trees fell and struck Tanner.

Emergency responders attempted lifesaving efforts, including CPR, as Tanner was rushed to Rome Memorial Hospital.

Unfortunately, despite the best efforts by emergency personnel, Tanner was pronounced deceased from his injuries.

Members from Western Fire Department and AmCare Ambulance assisted.

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