Dairy farmer died in vain attempt to save son after pair got into difficulty in slurry tank

A DAIRY farmer died in a vain attempt to save his son when they both got into difficulty after climbing into a slurry tank. Alan Ford, 72, climbed into the tank to rescue his son Richard, 42, at New Farm in Aston by Budworth, Cheshire, on August 26. Alan and Rick Ford died after falling into an industrial silage tank Credit: BillyPix Police at the scene of the tragedy Credit: SWNS Dad of five, Richard, who lived at the farm, had entered the tank earlier to repair a pipe. After he got into difficulties, Alan also entered the tank to try and help him himself, an inquest heard. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Emergency services, including the air ambulance, were called to the family farm at 12.20pm, but despite the best efforts of all those involved, both men were pronounced dead at the scene. An inquest into their deaths was opened at Cheshire Coroners’ Court in Warrington on Wednesday by area coroner, Victoria Davies. The case was adjourned until February 25 next year to allow time for a joint investigation by Cheshire Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to reach a conclusion. Alan and Richard, known as Rick, were both high-profile figures in the county’s farming circles. Alan was a former chairman of Cheshire Agricultural Society, and Rick had served as one of its directors for several years. Following the tragic news of their deaths, the society’s current chairman, Dave Leech, published a moving tribute to the father and son on The Royal Cheshire County Show’s Facebook page. Most read in The Sun He said: “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.” Comment now