Bergen County DPW worker killed after a tree fell on him identified

The Bergen County public works employee who was killed Thursday afternoon after an accident moving a tree in Saddle River has been identified.

Thomas Epper, 48, had been a heavy equipment operator for two years in the public works department's mosquito division. In a statement issued Friday, Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco said the county "suffered a tragic loss."

"The Bergen County family mourns with the Epper family," Tedesco said. "Please join us in keeping the Epper family in your prayers and thoughts."

Epper was one of five workers that were removing a tree when the bank of the Saddle River gave way from underneath him and the tree fell on him, Mayor Albert Kurpis said. Epper became trapped underneath the tree and his fellow workers were unable to lift it off of him.

He was taken to The Valley Hospital, where he later died.

EARLIER: Bergen County DPW employee killed while removing tree in Saddle River, mayor says

DRUNKEN DRIVING: Questions remain a year after West Milford crash that killed Paul Roberts

STILE: The 'turban man' smear is all too familiar in the Age of Trump