Tragic Farm Accident: Two Men Die After Falling Into Manure Tanker in New York

On Thursday morning, a tragic accident occurred at a farm in Kirkland, upstate New York, resulting in the loss of two lives. The incident, which took place at Champion Farm, claimed the lives of two individuals who were not employed by the farm.

Details of the Incident

According to the Kirkland Police Department and reports from WKTV, the two men, identified as 33-year-old Nathan Doody and 29-year-old Tyler Memory, fell into a manure tanker while attempting to retrieve a piece of equipment. One of the men lost consciousness and fell into the tanker, prompting the second individual to also pass out while trying to offer assistance.

Emergency Response

Upon receiving the distress call, emergency services including the Clinton Fire Department, Oneida County Sheriff's Department, and Mercy Flight helicopters rushed to the scene. Despite their efforts, the victims could not be saved and were pronounced dead after being transported to a hospital.

Farm Safety Hazards

The Farm Safety Association has highlighted the potential dangers associated with decomposing manure, including the production of hazardous gases such as hydrogen sulfide, methane, ammonia, and carbon dioxide. These gases, at high concentrations, pose a fatal threat to both humans and livestock.

Tragically, this is not an isolated incident. In the past, similar farm accidents involving manure-related gases have resulted in multiple fatalities. In 2016, a Wisconsin farmer and 13 cows lost their lives due to fumes from a manure holding tank, while in 2015, a father and son in Iowa died during repairs on a hog manure pit. Furthermore, in 2007, methane gas emissions from a manure pit in Virginia claimed the lives of five individuals.