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Father and Son Die in Tragic Slurry Tank Incident
19 Sep
Summary
- Farmer died attempting to save his son from a slurry tank.
- Both men were pronounced dead at the scene.
- Inquest opened pending police and HSE investigation.
A dairy farmer and his son have tragically died following a perilous incident at their farm in Aston by Budworth, Cheshire. The incident occurred on August 26th, when Alan Ford, 72, entered a slurry tank in a desperate attempt to rescue his son, Richard, 42.
Richard had initially entered the tank to repair a pipe and subsequently found himself in distress. His father's brave but ultimately futile rescue attempt also led to his own demise. Emergency services, including the air ambulance, responded swiftly to the family farm but pronounced both men deceased at the scene.
An inquest into their deaths was opened on Wednesday at Cheshire Coroners' Court. The investigation has been adjourned until February 25th of next year, to allow for a joint inquiry by Cheshire Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Alan and Richard Ford were well-respected figures within the agricultural community. Alan had previously served as chairman of the Cheshire Agricultural Society, while Richard was a director. The society has expressed profound sadness, paying tribute to their tireless contributions and extending condolences to their family.
