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Blake Bryant, a 14-year-old, died as a result of the gross and culpable negligence of his employer, Jonathan Wilkes. On the day of his death, Bryant climbed a pine tree with Wilkes’ consent and supervision. Bryant’s climbing harness was severed, and he fell 49 feet to the ground. Florida state statutes restrict the employment of minors under the age of 18 in a logging occupation; Wilkes ignored various Florida child labor laws.
Assistant State Attorney Stephen M. Nelson
Fall
Clay
Florida
August 13, 2013
Unavailable
| First | Last | Age | Title | Employer | Injury Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blake | Bryant | 14 | Part-time employee | John Wilkes Tree Services | Fatality |
| Name | Type | Title | Plea Information | Conviction Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Wilkes | Individual | Owner | Wilkes pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter of a child, a first-degree felony. | Wilkes was sentenced of 15 years in state prison. |
|
Penal Crimes Charged
Wilkes was charged with felony aggravated manslaughter of a child. |
Other Crimes Charged
Unavailable |
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