A Lower Salem man was critically injured Monday when a tree he was attempting to cut down fell on him, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

Andrew W. Beck, 28, was transported by medical helicopter to Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown after the incident, which happened just before noon.

Sheriff Larry Mincks said Beck and another man, whose name was not immediately available, were cutting trees for firewood on Beck's family property at 2775 Whipple Run Road when the incident occurred.

"He was cutting a tree that was 16 to 18 inches (in diameter)... and was attempting to cut it so it would fall downhill," Mincks said. "For some reason, the tree fell uphill."

The other individual who was with Beck called 911, Mincks said.

Beck sustained injuries to his head and had suspected internal injuries, according to Mincks. The man was unconscious when rescuers arrived and did not regain consciousness while being treated at the scene.

"At this point, I'm not exactly sure if he was pinned under the tree or if he was just struck by it as it fell," Mincks said. "Everyone (at the scene) left for the hospital and we don't know all the details."

Officials at Ruby Memorial said Monday evening that they could not release any information on Beck's condition.