MADISON COUNTY -- A 22-year-old  Vernon Center man died today after he was trapped under a tree while logging in Madison County.

Matthew Stevens was pronounced dead at Community Memorial Hospital in Hamilton.

Deputies say Stevens and three other people had permission to log on private property. Stevens was trying to pull down a tree estimated to be 82-feet tall with a chain attached to a tractor. When it was pulled, the tree fell on top of the tractor while Stevens was behind the wheel.  

The Morrisville Fire Department and New York State Police were called to the scene. Stevens was taken to the hospital in an ambulance. An autopsy will be performed by the Onondaga County Medical Examiner.