Man Airlifted After Tree Stand Accident
A Plymouth man erecting a tree stand, similar to this one, suffered a fall and sustained several broken bones. Conservation Officers from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources urge hunters to use protective climbing gear while getting their hunting stands ready for the upcoming deer season.
Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating the accident that occurred at 10099 7th Road near Plymouth. According to Conservation Officer Seth Owens, Stephen E. Guzak, 45, was attempting to hang his tree stand for the upcoming deer season and fell from the tree approximately 20 feet to the ground.
Guzak suffered a broken hip, dislocated shoulder, possible broken ribs and and broken arm. He was transported by helicopter to Memorial Hospital in South Bend. Guzak was in stable condition at the time of this report late last night.
Officers say Guzak was not using any protective gear, such as a climbing harness or safety line. Indiana Conservation Officers urge anyone setting up a tree stand to use the proper safety gear and to have help. Sports men and women should also leave a hunting plan with a responsible person.
Guzak was lucky, according to the DNR officers. Although he was out by himself, he had his cell and had enough signal to call 911. Officers, however, say there may not be cell phone coverage where all people hunt and that is why a hunting plan is good to have.
Other units on the scene of last night’s accident were from the Marshall County Sherriff’s Department, Plymouth EMS and Medflight.
