CORTLAND, N.Y. – A 14-year-old boy died on Wednesday after he was crushed by a piece of farm equipment in Cortland, according to New York State Police.
The boy was by himself operating a skid-steer to carry hay bales on a farm at 3036 East River Road when he became pinned beneath the arms of the machine, state police investigator Aaron Lewis said.
Police are not releasing the boy's name due to his age. The boy was a family friend of the farm owner, Lewis said.
Lewis said he does not anticipate any criminal charges, but the New York State Department of Labor is conducting its own investigation into whether or not the teen was qualified to operate the machinery due to his age.
The boy had not been an official employee of the farm, Lewis said.
