A prominent Welsh farmer has tragically been found dead in a slurry tank on his farm, following a search after he was reported missing earlier this month.
Islwyn Owen, 67, from Llanycil, near Bala in Gwynedd, was last seen on the night of 4th September. Concerned family members alerted authorities after he failed to return home. Just 90 minutes later, his body was discovered in the slurry tank at his farm. Despite the efforts of paramedics, Mr Owen was pronounced dead at the scene.
Tributes
The news has sent shockwaves through the local farming community, where Mr Owen was a well-known and respected figure. Councillor Alan Jones Evans, who represents the Llanuwchllyn ward, paid tribute to the farmer, describing him as a “conscientious and busy” individual.
“Islwyn was a familiar face at every agricultural show in the area,” said Mr Evans. “He was deeply involved in the farming community and known far beyond the village. His death is a devastating loss to everyone who knew him.”
In a statement, Mr Owen’s family described him as a “dear husband to Margaret” and a “beloved brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and son-in-law”. They expressed their profound grief, adding that he will be “dearly missed by family, friends, and the wider community”.
Inquest Opens
An inquest into Mr Owen’s death has been opened and adjourned. The coroner, Kate Robertson, stated that there is “reasonable cause” to suspect the death was unnatural and confirmed that further investigations are underway.
North Wales Police are working in collaboration with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to determine the circumstances leading to the fatal incident. Farming accidents remain a significant concern in the UK, with the latest HSE data showing that the agricultural sector continues to record the highest number of workplace fatalities.
In the year 2023-2024, 27 people lost their lives in farm-related accidents across Great Britain, a figure that highlights the persistent risks associated with farming, particularly when dealing with hazardous equipment and materials such as slurry tanks.
Danger of Slurry Tanks
Slurry tanks are used on farms to store animal waste, but they pose serious dangers if not handled correctly. The risk of falling into these tanks, combined with the lethal gases they emit, makes them one of the most hazardous pieces of equipment on a farm.
Despite ongoing safety campaigns and initiatives aimed at reducing fatalities in the sector, the death of Mr Owen serves as a grim reminder of the risks involved in farming. Industry experts are urging farmers to remain vigilant and adhere to strict safety protocols when working around slurry pits and other high-risk areas.
Community in Shock
The farming community in Gwynedd remains in shock following Mr Owen’s death. Councillor Evans expressed condolences to Mr Owen’s widow, Margaret, and described how the entire community is mourning the loss of a man known for his dedication to agriculture.
“Islwyn was a tidy farmer, methodical in his work, and his presence will be missed at agricultural shows and in daily life,” said Mr Evans. “He was someone who lived and breathed farming, and the news of his death has left a huge void.”
As the investigation continues, questions remain about the exact circumstances surrounding Mr Owen’s death. Authorities, alongside the HSE, will be reviewing safety protocols to ensure the incident is fully understood and to prevent further tragedies in the future.
For now, the local community is left to grieve the loss of a farmer who was much more than just a worker of the land; he was a cornerstone of his village and a symbol of Welsh agricultural pride.
