FATHER DIES TRYING TO SAVE SON AFTER TRAGIC SLURRY TANK ACCIDENT ON CHESHIRE FARM

A 72-year-old father died after entering a slurry tank in a desperate attempt to save his son, who had become unresponsive inside the tank on their family farm in Cheshire, an inquest has heard.

Alan Ford and his 42-year-old son, Richard “Rick” Ford, died following the farming accident at New Farm in Aston-by-Budworth, near Northwich, on August 26, 2026.

The father and son were well known in Cheshire’s farming community, with both having longstanding links to the Cheshire Agricultural Society.

According to evidence heard at the inquest, Rick had entered the tank to carry out work on a pipe when he got into difficulty.

Alan then entered the tank in an attempt to help his son.

Both men subsequently became unresponsive.

Emergency services were called to the farm at around 12:20 p.m. on August 26.

Firefighters, paramedics and other emergency responders attended the scene and managed to recover both men from the industrial tank.

Despite the efforts of emergency crews, both were pronounced dead at the scene.

A FATHER’S DESPERATE ATTEMPT TO HELP HIS SON

The circumstances surrounding the deaths were outlined when an inquest was opened at Cheshire Coroners’ Court.

The hearing was told that Rick, who was a father of five, had gone into the tank while working on a pipe.

When he encountered difficulties, Alan followed him inside in an effort to rescue his son.

The tragedy resulted in the deaths of both men.

The details have since emerged as investigators continue examining exactly what happened inside the tank and whether any safety issues contributed to the incident.

The case has been adjourned to allow a joint investigation by Cheshire Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to be completed.

The next stage of the inquest is scheduled for February 25, 2027.

TWO GENERATIONS OF THE SAME FARMING FAMILY

Alan and Rick were not only farmers but also prominent figures within Cheshire’s agricultural community.

Alan had served as chairman and director of the Cheshire Agricultural Society, retiring from his position as chairman in April 2026.

Rick had also served as a director of the society for several years.

Following their deaths, the Royal Cheshire County Show paid tribute to the pair and highlighted the Ford family’s longstanding contribution to the organisation.

The society said the family had worked tirelessly for it over many years and that both men would be greatly missed.

The tribute also expressed sympathy and support for their family during what it described as an extremely difficult time.

WHY SLURRY TANKS CAN BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS

The incident has also highlighted the risks associated with agricultural slurry tanks.

Slurry tanks are used to store animal waste and other materials before they are eventually used as fertiliser.

As slurry decomposes, gases including hydrogen sulphide, methane, ammonia and carbon dioxide can accumulate in enclosed spaces.

Some of these gases can cause a person to become unconscious extremely quickly.

Safety specialists have repeatedly warned that attempts to rescue someone from a slurry tank can create additional casualties if the person entering the tank is not equipped with the appropriate breathing apparatus and rescue equipment.

However, authorities have not publicly confirmed that toxic gas exposure was the specific cause of Alan and Rick Ford’s deaths. The investigation into the circumstances remains ongoing.

A COMMUNITY MOURNS

News of the deaths prompted an outpouring of sympathy from people connected to the Cheshire farming community.

Those who knew Alan and Rick described them as highly respected members of the agricultural community.

Their deaths also came as a profound loss to the Cheshire Agricultural Society, where both men had devoted years of their time.

For the Ford family, the tragedy has left two generations of a farming family gone in a single devastating incident.

The inquest will now examine the circumstances surrounding their deaths, while investigators from Cheshire Police and the HSE continue their work.

Until that investigation is completed, the full circumstances behind the tragedy remain under examination.

What is already known is that on the afternoon of August 26, a routine piece of farm work turned into a fatal emergency — and that Alan entered the tank after his son had encountered difficulties inside.

Both father and son died at the scene, leaving behind a grieving family and a farming community that has described their loss as devastating.