FATHER, 72, DIES TRYING TO SAVE HIS SON, 42, IN TRAGIC FARM TANK ACCIDENT

A devastating farming tragedy in Cheshire has claimed the lives of a father and his son after both became trapped inside an industrial tank at their family farm.

Alan Ford, 72, and his son Richard “Rick” Ford, 42, died at the farm in Aston-by-Budworth, near Northwich, on August 26.

The tragedy has since prompted an inquest and a joint investigation involving Cheshire Police and the Health and Safety Executive.

RICK ENTERED THE TANK TO REPAIR A PIPE

Emergency services were called to the farm on Cann Lane at around 12:20 p.m. after reports of an industrial incident.

According to evidence reported at the subsequent inquest, Rick, who lived at the farm and was a father of five, had entered the tank while attempting to repair a pipe.

He then got into difficulty.

Alan, who was 72, entered the tank in an attempt to help his son.

Neither man survived.

Emergency crews, including firefighters, paramedics and an air ambulance, attended the scene and rescued the two men.

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

A FATHER AND SON REMEMBERED ACROSS CHESHIRE’S FARMING COMMUNITY

The deaths sent shockwaves through Cheshire’s agricultural community.

Alan and Rick were both well known through their involvement with the Cheshire Agricultural Society and the Royal Cheshire County Show.

Alan had served as chairman and director of the Cheshire Agricultural Society before retiring from those positions in April 2026.

Rick had been a director of the society for several years.

Following their deaths, the society paid tribute to the family and described the loss as devastating.

The organization said the Ford family had “worked tirelessly” for the society for many years and that both Alan and Rick would be deeply missed.

Friends and members of the farming community also shared tributes online, remembering the pair as hardworking and respected members of the local agricultural community.

THE DANGERS OF FARM TANKS

The tragedy has also highlighted the serious risks associated with agricultural tanks.

Slurry and similar farm tanks can contain a mixture of animal waste and other materials. As the material decomposes, gases including hydrogen sulphide, methane, ammonia and carbon dioxide can build up.

High concentrations of hydrogen sulphide can cause someone to lose consciousness extremely quickly, making rescue attempts particularly dangerous.

Safety experts have repeatedly warned that entering slurry or agricultural waste tanks can be fatal without appropriate specialist equipment and procedures.

INVESTIGATION INTO THE DEATHS CONTINUES

An inquest into the deaths was opened at Cheshire Coroners’ Court in Warrington on September 16.

The hearing was then adjourned until February 25, 2027, while Cheshire Police and the Health and Safety Executive continue their joint investigation into what happened.

Authorities have not yet released a final determination regarding the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The family has also asked for privacy as they grieve.

For those who knew Alan and Rick, the tragedy represents the loss of not only two members of the same family, but two familiar figures within Cheshire’s farming community.

A father went into the tank after his son was in trouble.

Neither came back out.