FATHER AND SON DIE AFTER FALLING INTO SLURRY TANK AT CHESHIRE FARM

A father and his son have died after falling into an industrial slurry tank at a farm in Cheshire, England, leaving the agricultural community mourning the loss of two men who had devoted years to the farming industry.

The victims were identified as Alan Ford, 72, and his son Rick Ford, 42.

Emergency services were called to a farm on Cann Lane in Aston by Budworth, near Northwich, at around 12:20 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26, following reports of an industrial incident.

When police, firefighters and ambulance crews arrived, they found that the two men had fallen into an industrial tank.

Emergency crews managed to recover both men from the tank, but despite efforts to save them, they were pronounced dead at the scene.

FATHER AND SON REMEMBERED BY AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITY

News of the deaths was announced by the Cheshire Agricultural Society, which paid tribute to both men.

Alan Ford had served as chairman and director of the society before retiring from the role in April 2026.

His son Rick had also been involved with the organisation for several years as a director.

In a statement shared through the Royal Cheshire County Show, the society said the Ford family had worked tirelessly for the organisation for many years.

The statement described the deaths as an “untimely” loss and said both Alan and Rick would be deeply missed by everyone who knew them.

The agricultural community also shared messages of sympathy for the Ford family following the tragedy.

INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY

Cheshire Constabulary confirmed that an investigation had been launched to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Police said the men, aged 72 and 42, were rescued from the tank before being pronounced dead at the scene.

Their next of kin were informed, while the family requested privacy during the difficult period.

The precise circumstances of how the two men entered the tank had not been publicly established.

The Health and Safety Executive, the UK’s workplace health and safety regulator, also attended the site as part of enquiries into the incident, according to reports.

Cann Lane was temporarily closed while emergency services dealt with the incident.

WHY SLURRY TANKS CAN BE DANGEROUS

Slurry tanks are used on farms to store agricultural waste, including animal waste and other materials that can later be used as fertiliser.

They can also contain dangerous gases produced as organic material decomposes.

Sky News reported that gases including hydrogen sulphide, methane, ammonia and carbon dioxide can accumulate in enclosed spaces associated with slurry storage. At dangerous concentrations, some of these gases can cause unconsciousness extremely quickly.

However, authorities have not publicly confirmed whether exposure to toxic gases played any role in the deaths of Alan and Rick Ford.

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

“VERY SADLY MISSED”

For the Cheshire agricultural community, the tragedy represents the loss of two generations of the same family.

Alan had only recently stepped down from his leadership role with the Cheshire Agricultural Society, while Rick had continued serving as a director.

The society extended its thoughts and sympathy to the Ford family, describing the loss as a deeply difficult time for everyone who knew the pair.

Alan Ford was 72.

His son Rick was 42.

Both died following the farming accident on August 26.

Their deaths have left their family, friends and colleagues mourning two men whose lives were closely connected to the agricultural community in Cheshire.