The family of John Watkinson, an 84-year-old farmer who died after being found in a grain silo, has announced funeral arrangements. Mr. Watkinson passed away from natural causes, according to the Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen Coroner's Service, and no inquest will be held.
Incident Details
Emergency services were called to Orrell Farm on Orrell Lane in Burscough at around 4:37 PM on Thursday, May 21, 2026, following reports of an industrial accident. Lancashire Police, firefighters, and paramedics attended the scene. A neighbour reported that crews had to cut open the silo in an attempt to rescue Mr. Watkinson, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mr. Watkinson, who owned the farm and continued to work the land despite his age, was described by neighbours as a private but kind man. One neighbour told the ECHO: "He kept himself to himself. It's so sad, he was a nice man, and had not long farmed all the grain from the fields."
Investigation and Cause of Death
The death is not being treated as suspicious. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched an investigation, with officers visiting the scene in the days following the incident. A family friend stated on a GoFundMe page that Mr. Watkinson died from a heart attack.
Funeral Arrangements
MLS Independent Funeral Directors announced that the funeral service and interment will take place at St. John's Roman Catholic Church in Burscough on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 11:00 AM. The family requests only family flowers, with donations welcome for Queenscourt Hospice. For inquiries, contact Lisa Hunter at MLS Independent Funeral Directors, 22a Liverpool Road North, Burscough, L40 5TP, or call 01704 891555.
Emergency Response
A Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "Three fire engines from Ormskirk, Skelmersdale and Tarleton, along with the Urban Search and Rescue Team from Chorley, attended the incident. Firefighters worked with paramedics but sadly, the person was pronounced deceased at the scene. Our thoughts are with their family and friends." Firefighters remained at the scene for approximately four hours and 40 minutes.
Lancashire Police added: "At 4:37 PM on Thursday 21 May we were called to reports of an industrial accident at a farm on Orrell Lane, Burscough. Emergency services attended and very sadly a man in his 80s was found deceased. His death is not being treated as suspicious. The Health and Safety Executive have been informed."
The HSE confirmed they are investigating the incident.
