On May 4, 2025, at approximately 1:49 p.m., the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office responded to a medical at the address 26056 County Road 34 in Paynesville Township. When officers arrived on scene, they learned Daniel Ruprecht, 62, of Eden Valley, was cutting off a large branch from a tree. That branch was approximately 20 feet long and 10 inches in diameter. The branch fell and hit the top of his head causing a laceration. Family members at the scene rendered first aid until responders arrived. Ruprecht was transported to the Paynesville Hospital by ambulance. The Paynesville Police Department, Stearns County Sheriff’s Office, Paynesville Ambulance, and Paynesville Fire Department responded to the scene.