Cemetery landscaper gets ‘pulled into’ woodchipper called the ‘Intimidator’ at high rate of speed, shredding him to death after malfunctioning

A 22-year-old New Jersey landscaper was fatally pulled into a woodchipper known as the “Intimidator” while working at a cemetery, according to a lawsuit filed by his family. The machine allegedly malfunctioned, shredding Eonias Mateo-Perez to death.

Mateo-Perez’s estate is suing Michigan-based Bandit Industries, claiming the “Intimidator” chipper he was using in June 2024 lacked proper safety features, adequate warnings, and design safeguards to prevent users from being pulled in. The complaint was filed in Hunterdon County Superior Court.

Mateo-Perez was employed by William LaRue Services and was performing landscaping work at Saint Magdalen Cemetery in Flemington at the time of the accident. The lawsuit states he was feeding trees into the woodchipper when it malfunctioned, causing him to be drawn into the machine at high speed.

Bandit Industries markets the “Intimidator 19XPC” as having its “most powerful feed system available on a hand-fed chipper.” Its website describes the machine’s “Slide Box Feed System,” which includes a 25-inch-wide by 15-¾-inch-diameter top feed wheel and a 25-inch-wide by 10 5/8-inch bottom feed wheel roller, generating 10,824 pounds of pulling power. The company promotes the design as allowing larger material to be pulled in more easily, reducing labor time and increasing production.

The lawsuit alleges that both the woodchipper and Bandit Industries violated the New Jersey Product Liability Act, which permits claims for harm caused by defective products.

Mateo-Perez’s parents, Lucindo Mateo Hernandez and Adelia Perez Lopez, are seeking damages for the loss of companionship, future services, and medical and funeral expenses.

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