UNION TOWNSHIP- A Chesapeake man is dead after apparently being hit by a falling tree while he was cutting firewood.

Ernie R. Barker, 48, of 3711 Big Branch Road, was found by friends in the woods off Private Drive 99, Big Branch Road in Chesapeake Tuesday.

According to a Lawrence County Sheriff's Office report, a friend had noticed that Barker's chainsaw had stopped, and asked another friend for assistance in locating Barker.

Barker was found a short time later underneath a tree that was estimated to be 60-65 feet tall, and 30 inches in diameter.

Members of the Union Township Volunteer Fire Department were called in to assist in removing the tree.