Belle man killed in a logging accident

By Neal A. Johnson
Posted 4/21/21

Shelby L. Martin, 67, of Belle, was killed in a logging accident Wednesday, April 14, while working on private land near Bland.

“This is a tragic situation and we express our deepest condolences …

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Belle man killed in a logging accident

Posted

Shelby L. Martin, 67, of Belle, was killed in a logging accident Wednesday, April 14, while working on private land near Bland.
“This is a tragic situation and we express our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Martin,” said Cpt. Travis Shaffer of the Osage County Sheriff’s Office.
According to a report filed by Det. Mark Williams, the accident occurred at about 8:30 a.m. when Martin lost control of the skid logger he was operating. It is unclear why Martin was not in the driver’s seat at the time of the accident. He was standing outside the cab when the skid logger began sliding down the hill and over several large boulders, and he was ejected. The vehicle ran over him, causing massive internal injuries.
Martin was employed by Branson Logging, LLC, and Kyle Branson witnessed the accident. As he had no cellular service at the bottom of the hill, Kyle ran to the top of the hill where his father, Warren, owner of the business, was working. Warren called 911 and then went to comfort Martin, who passed away a few minutes later.
Osage County Deputy Coroner Bob Goodenough pronounced Martin dead at the scene and released his body to Sassmann’s Funeral Home. Gasconade County Coroner Jeff Arnold also responded to the scene.
Cpt. Shaffer said there were no signs of foul play or impairment.
Funeral arrangements are on Page 2 of this week’s issue.