Family of landscaper killed inside woodchipper at new jersey cemetery files lawsuit

Family of landscaper killed inside Woodchipper at New Jersey cemetery files lawsuit

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1 min read
October 31, 2025

Flemington, NJ – A landscaper died after being pulled into a woodchipper known as the “Intimidator” at Saint Magdalen Cemetery. Eonias Mateo-Perez, 22, was performing landscaping work for William LaRue Services when the incident occurred.

Mateo-Perez’s family has filed a lawsuit against Bandit Industries, the manufacturer of the machine. They allege the woodchipper was defective and lacked necessary safety features.

The lawsuit, filed in Hunterdon County superior court, claims the machine improperly operated and malfunctioned, leading to the fatal incident. Mateo-Perez was feeding trees into the woodchipper when the machine allegedly malfunctioned, pulling him in at high speed.

The lawsuit also cites violations of the New Jersey Product Liability Act, as it asserts that the equipment lacked adequate warnings and safe design features. The family’s complaint states they have sustained financial injuries due to the loss of companionship and future services from Mateo-Perez.

As investigations continue, the family’s legal team aims for consequences regarding equipment safety in the landscaping industry.

Tragic woodchipper accident leads to lawsuit in New Jersey cemetery

Flemington, NJ A landscaper died after being pulled into a woodchipper known as the “Intimidator” at Saint Magdalen Cemetery. Eonias Mateo-Perez, 22, was performing landscaping work for William LaRue Services when the incident occurred.

Mateo-Perez’s family has filed a lawsuit against Bandit Industries, the manufacturer of the machine. They allege the woodchipper was defective and lacked necessary safety features.

The lawsuit, filed in Hunterdon County superior court, claims the machine improperly operated and malfunctioned, leading to the fatal incident. Mateo-Perez was feeding trees into the woodchipper when the machine allegedly malfunctioned, pulling him in at high speed.

The lawsuit also cites violations of the New Jersey Product Liability Act, as it asserts that the equipment lacked adequate warnings and safe design features. The family’s complaint states they have sustained financial injuries due to the loss of companionship and future services from Mateo-Perez.

As investigations continue, the family’s legal team aims for consequences regarding equipment safety in the landscaping industry.

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

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