Father and Son Die in Horrific Farm Accident After Falling Into Manure Tank

A father and son have died in a devastating farm accident in England after both fell into an industrial manure tank.

Cheshire Police said officers were called to a farm on Cann Lane in Aston by Budworth, near Arley, shortly after 12:20 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 26, following reports of a serious industrial incident.

When emergency crews arrived, they discovered two men, ages 72 and 42, inside an industrial slurry tank.

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

Police said the circumstances surrounding the tragedy remain under investigation. The men’s family has been notified and has asked for privacy.

Authorities did not initially release the victims’ names, but the Royal Cheshire County Show later identified them as Alan Ford, 72, and his son Rick Ford, 42.

The pair were well known in the local farming community and had longstanding ties to the Cheshire Agricultural Society.

The organization described the deaths as a “tragic farming accident” and said both men had devoted years to supporting the society.

Alan had recently stepped down as chairman and director in April, while Rick had served as a director for several years.

“The Ford family have worked tirelessly for the Society for many years and both Alan and Rick will be very sadly missed by everyone who knew them,” the organization said in a statement.

It also offered its “thoughts, sympathy and prayers” to the family.

According to the BBC, inspectors from the U.K.’s Health and Safety Executive also visited the farm and were working alongside authorities as the investigation continued.

Officials have not yet said how the two men ended up inside the tank or whether any equipment malfunction or other hazard played a role.