Farmer dies after crushed by apple crates.

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SHELBY TOWNSHIP — James Grantz, 54, died after being crushed by a stack of apple boxes that he was moving with his tractor in his orchard on West Weaver Road near South Water Road Thursday, Sept. 29, shortly after 11 a.m., according to the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office.

“Oceana County deputies were dispatched to assist at a medical situation in which the subject had suffered serious injuries,” states a press release issued by Lt. Craig Mast. “Deputies discovered that Mr. James Grantz was moving a stack of 20 bushel boxes that were nested together four high, so a total of 12 boxes were involved. It is believed that the tractor he was operating, that is converted to a forklift, went over uneven ground and the top of the stack of boxes fell and hit Mr. Grantz. The tractor continued to back up until it hit a pickup truck.

“Other workers then attempted to give aide to Mr. Grantz and called 911 to request assistance. Mr. Grantz was transported (by Oceana County EMS) to Lakeshore Hospital in Shelby but did not survive,” the press release states.