Tributes have been paid to two men who died after falling into a slurry tank on their family farm, who were prominent figures in Cheshire's farming community.
Father and son Alan and Rick Ford were rescued from the tank at the farm in Aston by Budworth, near Arley in Cheshire, after emergency services were called at about 12.20pm on Wednesday (August 26). Both men were pronounced dead at the scene.
Prominent farming figures
Alan, 72, was the former chairman of the Cheshire Agricultural Society, which runs the Royal Cheshire County Show, having stepped down in April after seven years in the role. His son Rick, 42, had also served as a director of the society for several years.
The names have not yet been confirmed by Cheshire Police, as the force confirmed an investigation into the tragedy remains ongoing, The Mirror reports.
Community tributes
Current chairman Dave Leech said: "As chairman of the Cheshire Agricultural Society, it is with profound sadness 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 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."
"We wish to extend our thoughts, sympathy, and prayers to the families at this very difficult time."
Others also paid tribute to the farming family via social media, including Jackie Kwasnik, who said: "What a great loss to the Cheshire farming community such a well-known and respected family."
