BRADFORD - Vermont State Police say a 74-year-old Bradford man was killed while cutting wood when he was hit by a part of a tree that was already on the ground after a branch was cut off.

Police say Arthur Kaiser was cutting wood just after 4 p.m. Tuesday near his home on Werner Road when he was cutting limbs off the downed tree.

The limb was under pressure and when the limb was cut the remaining part of the tree sprung from its position, hitting Kaiser in the head. He died a short time later.

Police say Kaiser was wearing a helmet with a face shield.