FARMER DIES TRYING TO SAVE HIS SON AFTER BOTH FALL INTO SLURRY TANK

CHESHIRE, England — A 72-year-old dairy farmer died while trying to rescue his son after the pair got into difficulty inside a slurry tank at their family farm, an inquest has heard.

Alan Ford, 72, entered the tank at New Farm in Aston-by-Budworth, Cheshire, on August 26 after his 42-year-old son, Richard “Rick” Ford, got into trouble while working inside.

Rick, who lived at the farm and was the father of five, had entered the tank to repair a pipe, according to evidence reported at the opening of the inquest.

When his son became unable to get out, Alan entered the tank in an attempt to help him.

Tragically, neither man survived.

EMERGENCY CREWS RUSHED TO THE FARM

Emergency services were called to the family farm at approximately 12:20 p.m. on August 26 following reports of an industrial incident.

Police, firefighters and ambulance crews, including air ambulance personnel, attended the scene.

Both men were eventually recovered from the tank, but they were pronounced dead at the scene.

The incident prompted an investigation into exactly what happened inside the tank and the circumstances that led to both men becoming trapped.

A FAMILY WELL KNOWN IN CHESHIRE’S FARMING COMMUNITY

Alan and Rick were not only farmers but also prominent members of the local agricultural community.

Alan had previously served as chairman of the Cheshire Agricultural Society, while Rick had served as one of the society’s directors for several years.

Their deaths prompted an outpouring of grief from people across the region’s farming community.

The Royal Cheshire County Show, through the Cheshire Agricultural Society, paid tribute to both men and described the Ford family’s longstanding contribution to the organization.

The family was also offered condolences and support as relatives and friends mourned the sudden loss of both father and son.

INQUEST OPENED INTO THE DEATHS

An inquest into the deaths was opened at Cheshire Coroners’ Court in Warrington.

Area coroner Victoria Davies opened proceedings before adjourning the case.

The inquest has been postponed until February 25, 2027, allowing investigators more time to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Cheshire Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are conducting a joint investigation.

Authorities have not yet released a final determination explaining exactly how the incident unfolded.

A TRAGEDY THAT SHOCKED THE FARMING COMMUNITY

The deaths of Alan and Rick have deeply affected the local agricultural community, where both men were known through their work and involvement with the Cheshire Agricultural Society.

Their deaths also highlight the serious risks associated with working around agricultural tanks and other farm equipment.

For the Ford family, however, the tragedy is deeply personal: a father entered the tank trying to help his son, and both ultimately lost their lives.

As investigators continue examining the incident, friends and colleagues are remembering Alan and Rick for their contribution to farming and to the wider Cheshire community.

The full circumstances surrounding the tragedy are expected to become clearer as the police and HSE investigation progresses and the inquest resumes next year.