Tributes have been paid to a father and son who died after falling into an industrial silage tank at a farm in Cheshire. Alan Ford, 72, and his son Rick, 42, were named by the chairman of the Cheshire Agricultural Society, an organisation both men had been involved with.
Incident at Cann Lane farm
Cheshire Police were called to a farm on Cann Lane in Aston by Budworth at around 12.20pm on August 26 after two workers reportedly fell into an industrial tank. Police, fire and ambulance crews attended the scene and found the two men had fallen into a silage tank.
The men were rescued by emergency services but were pronounced dead at the scene. A police spokesperson confirmed their next of kin had been informed and an investigation was underway to establish the circumstances of the incident.
Tributes from the agricultural community
The Cheshire Agricultural Society, which organises the annual Royal Cheshire County Show, published a statement on its Facebook page. It said: "As chairman of the Cheshire Agricultural Society, it is with profound sadness that I have to announce the untimely death of our past Chairman Alan Ford and his son Rick following a tragic farming accident yesterday.
"Alan retired as chairman and director of the Society in April this year and Rick has been a director of the Society 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."
Community mourns the pair
Over 200 messages of condolences were left in the comment section of the post. One man said: "We are sending love and support to the family, we are absolutely astonished and deeply saddened for the loss of two wonderful people who gave so much fantastic support to the community. Both will be sadly missed."
Another said: "Terrible news. Both Alan and Rick were such real gentlemen, always a pleasure to spend some time in their company. Sending love, best wishes and sincere condolences to all the family." A third added: "Absolutely tragic! Some of the best days of my life were spent working with Alan and Rick, setting up in the weeks before shows. RIP, a truly devastating loss."
One woman said: "So very sad to hear the news of Alan and Rick. I worked for Alan and Peter way back a great boss and farmer. I send my heartfelt condolences to the family and farming community." Another said: "So very sorry to hear this. I grew up not too far away from Alan. He was such a lovely man. I’m thinking of family and friends." A third woman said: "Heart-breaking. Rick was a genuine down to earth, funny and kind man! My thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this very sad time."
A fourth added: "Such heart-breaking news - two very special people who have given so much to the show and agricultural community. They were dear friends to so many. Sending my deepest sympathy to the Ford Family. Thinking of you all at this time."
