FARMER RUN DOWN & KILLED BY HIS DOG
Pet started tractor accidentally
A MULTI-millionaire farmer was crushed to death by his tractor after his dog started the heavy-duty vehicle.
An inquest heard how Derek Mead died after he left the engine of his JCB running and his dog in its cab.
It is thought the animal may have pushed the lever when it jumped up to see his master.
Dad-of-three Derek, 70, was crushed against a gate in the Bristol tragedy. Health and safety inspector Simon Chilcott detailed the final moments before his death.
He said: “In the cab of the vehicle was a small dog.
“As he jumped up to look where his master has gone, he has put the machine into a forward motion.
“Operating the lever is no more difficult than changing an indicator stick on your car.”
Son Alistair found his dad trapped against the gate and unresponsive.
Derek’s brother Roger was killed 30 years ago when his tractor overturned while he was out working on his land, the inquest heard. Assistant coroner Dr Peter Harrowing said: “Mr Mead was very experienced in using the piece of equipment.
“The most likely explanation is that the dog inadvertently moved the shuttle lever, causing Mr Mead to be trapped against the gate.
“The death of Mr Derek Mead was a very tragic accident.”