State Parks worker dies on job

Flags were flying at half-staff in New York state after an Upstate NY parks employee was killed on the job last week.

Aaron Peters, 32, died Wednesday, Jan. 17, while doing tree removal at Golden Hill State Park in Niagara County.

Peters was a memorable character with a long beard and a sense of kindness.

He was a member of the regional ropes access team and sawyer crew for the past three years.

Park goers may have encountered him along the lower gorge as part of the Scaling team that clears loose rock from cliffs.

According to his obituary, Peters, of Youngstown, was fatally injured in a “tragic accident.” No other details were disclosed.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that flags on all state buildings will be flown at half-staff last Wednesday in Peters’ honor.

“Aaron Peters’ tragic death reminds us that New York State employees often put themselves in harm’s way while working to improve the safety of their fellow citizens and colleagues,” Governor Hochul said. “He will not be forgotten by his friends and family, and my heart goes out to all of those whose lives he touched.”

The Lewiston native loved nature and outdoors, including hiking and fishing, according to the obit. He was also a fan of sports, including the Buffalo Bills, plus Magic the Gathering, video games, stand-up comedy, and music, performing as a guitarist and vocalist in metal bands Urdarbrunnr and G.A.W.D.