FATHER DIES TRYING TO SAVE HIS SON AFTER BOTH BECOME TRAPPED IN FARM SLURRY TANK

ALAN FORD, 72, WENT INTO THE TANK AFTER HIS SON RICK, 42, GOT INTO DIFFICULTY — NEITHER MAN CAME HOME

A 72-year-old father died while trying to save his son after the pair became trapped inside a slurry tank on their family farm in Cheshire.

Alan Ford and his son Richard “Rick” Ford, 42, died following the tragic incident at New Farm in Aston-by-Budworth on August 26, 2026.

The father and son were well-known figures in the local farming community, making the tragedy even more devastating for those who knew them.

RICK HAD ENTERED THE TANK TO REPAIR A PIPE

An inquest heard that Rick had entered the slurry tank to carry out work on a pipe.

He subsequently got into difficulty inside the tank.

When Alan realised his son was in trouble, the 72-year-old father entered the tank himself in an attempt to rescue him.

Emergency services were called at around 12:20 p.m.

An air ambulance and other emergency crews rushed to the family farm, but despite efforts to rescue the men, both were pronounced dead at the scene.

A FATHER’S FINAL ATTEMPT TO SAVE HIS SON

The circumstances surrounding Alan’s death have made the tragedy particularly painful.

According to evidence reported from the inquest, Alan went into the tank after Rick had encountered difficulties, apparently attempting to help his son.

Within minutes, the rescue became a second tragedy.

Both men died.

The exact circumstances and causes of their deaths remain subject to investigation.

TWO GENERATIONS OF THE CHESHIRE FARMING COMMUNITY

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 the role of chairman and director in April 2026.

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

Following their deaths, the Royal Cheshire County Show paid tribute to both men, saying the Ford family had worked tirelessly for the organisation over many years.

The society’s current chairman, Dave Leech, expressed his condolences to the family and said Alan and Rick would be greatly missed.

INVESTIGATION INTO THE TRAGEDY CONTINUES

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

The hearing was adjourned until February 25, 2027, while Cheshire Police and the Health and Safety Executive conduct a joint investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The investigation is expected to examine what happened inside the tank and the circumstances that led to both men entering it.

No final conclusions about responsibility or the precise circumstances should be drawn until the investigation has been completed.

A FAMILY LEFT WITH AN UNIMAGINABLE LOSS

For the Ford family, what began as an ordinary day on the farm ended with the loss of two generations of the same family.

Alan was 72.

Rick was 42.

A father had gone into a dangerous situation after his son got into difficulty.

Neither returned home.

Their deaths have left a profound loss across the Cheshire farming community, where both men had spent years working and contributing to agricultural life.

The investigation continues as their family, friends and colleagues mourn a father and son who died in the same tragic incident.