Note: we are republishing this story to raise awareness for the Mike Biadasz farm safety and education memorial fund. Learn more at their Facebook page here as well as their website here.
A farmer and 16 of his cattle have died in a freak accident after a “dеаdly dome of air” formed in a Wisconsin farm’s manure holding tank.!!
According to WAOW, a 29-year-old farmer named Michael Biadasz, from Amherst, Wisconsin, died of gas poisoning on his family’s farm after being overcome by fumes of either methane or sulfur oxide. Initially, 13 of the farm’s cattle died as well; later, three more expired, bringing the total to 16 cattle dеаths.
The 29-year-old’s father, Bob Biadasz, co-owner of Biadasz Farms, said that the tragedy was the result of a “perfect storm” of unusual and unexpected weather conditions. When the tank was prepped to be pumped, warm upper air temperatures trapped the gases in a dome of air which then poisoned Michael and the cattle.
Biadasz was reportedly found dеаd when other workers arrived to begin hauling manure away from the tank.
“The family is devastated, absolutely devastated,” Portage County Coroner Scott Rifleman told WAOW.
Rifleman told WSAW that gas poisoning dеаths typically occur in closed areas, making the incident even more surprising. The coroner said that atmospheric pressure prevented the gases from dissipating.
The coroner went on to say that an investigation is underway to determine exactly what caused Biadasz’s dеаth. According to Rifleman, Biadasz had safely emptied the same tank hundreds of times prior to the fatal incident.
The Biadasz family honored Michael by parking a line of tractors and machinery along the road that passes the farm. Among the vehicles parked are a blue tractor, several red trucks, and Michael’s black pickup truck…
“As if there isn’t already enough dаngеr in the lives of farmers, this family had to suffer this freak accident,” one Facebook user commented on the story. “So sad.”
Following the tragic accident, many are calling for tougher regulations to be placed on manure holding tanks to prevent a similar incident in the future. According to All That’s News, the National Agriculture Safety Database says that there should be proper ventilation in areas where animals are stored and that warning signs must be posted nearby.
“In addition to adhering to proper construction and maintenance procedures for liquid manure storage facilities, owners should be encouraged to follow a few precautionary measures to protect both workers and livestock from harmful manure gases,” the NASD writes.
WASW reports that a similar unfortunate fate befell a Virginia family in 2007, when five of its members died as a result of a pipe blockage that caused a fatal buildup of methane gas.
Dick Van Dyke, 98, Shocks Fans with Sudden Public Appearance Cancellation—Find Out Why
American actor and comedian Dick Van Dyke has canceled his much-anticipated appearance at the FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention. Fans are now worried and sending their prayers.
FanX shared the news on September 21 via a statement on social media and their website.
“We regret to inform you that Dick Van Dyke cannot travel to FanX. He appreciates all the support from his fans, but at almost 99 years old, traveling and meeting thousands of people is more than he can handle right now,” the statement said.
The message emphasized that although Van Dyke is still loved by many fans, the physical demands of public appearances have become too difficult for the legendary entertainer.
Once the news broke, fans quickly took to social media to share their thoughts and prayers for the beloved actor. Many recognized how demanding public events can be for someone approaching their 99th birthday, but they still expressed their worry and love for him.
Dick Van Dyke’s lighthearted remark about praying to make it to his 99th birthday perfectly captures the candid and playful spirit he’s always had, even when discussing his health.
With his December 13 birthday approaching, fans are rallying around him, sending prayers and positive messages. They all share the same hope—that he stays healthy and happy for many more years to come.
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