Aaron Engl was found by two tourists next to his off-road vehicle and his chainsaw, close to a mountain hut in Marga, Italy where he often went to work
A 24-year-old lumberjack died after he accidentally decapitated himself with a chainsaw after taking hallucinogenic drugs, it has emerged. Aaron Engl was found by two tourists next to his off-road vehicle and his chainsaw, close to a mountain hut in Marga, Italy where he often went to work.
A coroner’s hearing this week ruled that he likely died between 5am and 6am on August 18 last year.
The Bolzano Public Prosecutor’s Office ruled out foul play and found Mr Engel accidentally decapitated himself with the chainsaw after taking hallucinogenic substances.
According to the investigation, he had attended a rave with family and friends on the night of August 17. There, he is believed to have taken various drugs, including hallucinogens.
He began feeling ill and was taken home in the early hours of August 18, where he parted ways with his friends. He got into his van – where his work chainsaws were stored – and drove to the clearing.
After arriving, for reasons unknown, he took one of the chainsaws out of the van. The prosecutors said: “Regarding the circumstances of the death, the forensic expert concluded – based on other abrasions found on the body.
“Specifically on the left shoulder, left side, and right side of the chest, as well as the bloodstains on the clothing – that it was highly likely the 24-year-old had rested the running chainsaw on his left shoulder.
“In doing so, he likely triggered the throttle and safety lock, both located on the handle, which then set the chain in motion.”
Aaron’s cause of death was ruled as “neurogenic shock caused by incomplete decapitation, resulting in near-instant death”.
A post-mortem toxicology confirmed the presence of hallucinogenic substances in his system. The prosecutors said it was “likely” he was in a “severely altered state” at the time. Tests confirmed that all the blood found at the scene belonged solely to Aaron.
Terento mayor Reinhold Weger said at the time of his death: “In a village of 1,800 people, we all know each other.
“Aaron was a cheerful young man and very active in local community groups. He was, in fact, the leader of the Schuhplattler, the traditional dance group.”