An Iowa State student died Sunday after a tragic accident in his hometown of Glidden.

Chad Freml, 19 and freshman in horticulture, was cutting tree limbs Sunday afternoon with his friend Brian Kennebeck, junior in agricultural systems technology, when a tree limb struck him in the chest.

Freml was pronounced dead later that day at St. Anthony Regional Hospital in Glidden.

Freml’s mother Susan said her son died before he arrived at the hospital.

Kennebeck, who also was Freml’s roommate and Phi Kappa Psi fraternity brother, said the two cut trees as a part-time job.

“He was no amateur; he knew what he was doing,” Kennebeck said. “It was an accident.”

Freml agreed that the incident is somewhat of a mystery.

“Several people who [cut trees] have been out there looking, and they just can’t figure it out,” she said.

Houston Dougharty, associate dean of students, said he was saddened to hear of Freml’s death.

“It’s always just a really sad time because we’re all about the business of the future, about growth and anticipating success,” he said. “It’s so sad when a student of any age or a student of any type loses his or her life. I know the people who were close to him will really miss him.”

In addition to being a fraternity brother to members of Phi Kappa Psi, 316 Lynn Ave., Freml said Chad was an excellent brother to his younger siblings, Joel, 15, and Katie, 8.

“He was great. He and his younger brother were coming of age, and they were doing a lot together recently,” she said.

She also said Chad was “always there” for his sister; the night before his death, he shared a slow dance with her at a wedding.

Kennebeck said he had been friends with Freml “for as long as I can remember.”

“He was a real good friend, a great guy,” he said. “He knew everybody. He was great to talk to.”

Freml said her son had a strong work ethic, and he often held three jobs at a time to help put himself through school.

Chad Freml also was a big fan of “toys,” Freml said, noting her son loved hunting, snowmobiling and demolition derby racing.

“Anything outdoors he loved,” she said.

Chad Freml’s funeral services will be held Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Glidden. There also will be a rosary service today at 3 p.m., as well as service at 7:30 p.m. tonight. Both events are being held at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish.