Oil worker dies after fall from tree

The fatal incident occurred at about 3.45 pm when Howie, an employee of Lease Operators Oil Company, went to an area known as 16 Gate to catch an iguana. Howie climbed a tree and shot the iguana, which was on an adjacent tree, with a sling shot. As he climbed down the tree, Howie slipped and fell face down on the ground. He was rushed to the SFGH where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Doctors at the hospital said Howie may have died of a broken neck. An autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow.

One of Howie’s friends, Anil Nemai, 22, said Howie told him there was an iguana in the tree and he had to catch it.

“He say it have an iguana in the tree watching him in he eye whole day and that he going to catch it, so I went along with him” Nemai said.

Nemai said Howie’s boss tried to discourage him.

“I knew when he climb the tree but I was not present with him when he fell. Actually I was going back out of the forest to go home but on my way back I heard a big thud. When I ran to the direction I saw Peter lying motionless, face downwards, on the ground,” Nemai said. Nemai said he and one of Howie’s cousin, Randy Clement, caught the iguana, tied its back legs together and left it on a tree. However, the iguana disappeared.

“I don’t know where the iguana went because when I returned from getting help and in the company of two police officers the iguana was no where to be found,” Nemai said.

Howie was a member of the Disciples for Christ Church in Los Bajos, Palo Seco, where he functioned as an usher and president of the church’s men’s group. He also captained the village football team for three years.

Howie’s sister, Christine, described him as a role model in the village. “He was a very strong Christian and was a perfect role model among the fellas in the church and the village. He was loved by all,” She noted.

Cpl Richard Ramtoole of the Santa Flora police station is investigating.