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Farm Worker Crushed by Tractor in Tragic Accident
21 Jul
Summary
- A 26-year-old farm worker died after being crushed by a tractor.
- The incident occurred near Newlands Farm in Wigton, Cumbria.
- A tractor model involved was later recalled due to handbrake issues.
A tragic incident on September 11, 2024, resulted in the death of 26-year-old farm worker Daniel David Sowerby. He was found with severe injuries near Newlands Farm in Wigton, Cumbria, having been crushed between a tractor and a barn.
Despite the swift arrival of emergency services, Sowerby entered traumatic cardiac arrest and could not be saved. The inquest into his death, held at Workington Coroners Court, revealed a concerning detail about the tractor he was operating.
The model of tractor, a Case Maxxum, has since been recalled by the manufacturer. This recall was prompted by an issue identified with the vehicle's handbrake system.
An autopsy confirmed Sowerby sustained multiple crush injuries, including to his torso, a lacerated lung, liver, spine, and femur. The official cause of death was determined to be chest injuries.
Sowerby, who grew up in Bassenthwaite, had been a self-employed farm worker at Newlands Farm since around 2019. His employer described him as a trusted friend and an exceptionally dedicated worker, while his sister shared that farming was his passion and his loss deeply impacted many.
