Farmer And 16 Cows Found Dead, Cause Of Death
Wisconsin Farmer and 16 Cattle Die in Manure Tank Gas Tragedy
A 29-year-old farmer, Michael Biadasz, died from gas poisoning at his family’s farm in Amherst, Wisconsin, after a “deadly dome of air” formed over a manure tank.
Sixteen cattle also died from the toxic fumes.
Michael’s father, Bob Biadasz, called it a “perfect storm” of rare weather conditions. Warm air trapped gases like methane or sulfur oxide, preventing them from dissipating.
“The family is devastated, absolutely devastated,” said Portage County Coroner Scott Rifleman.
Rifleman noted the incident was unusual: “Gas poisoning deaths typically occur in closed areas,” and said Michael had safely emptied the tank many times before. An investigation is ongoing.
The Biadasz family paid tribute by lining farm machinery along the road, including Michael’s black pickup truck. The tragedy has sparked calls for stricter safety rules on manure tanks.
The NASD urges precautions: “Owners should be encouraged to follow a few precautionary measures to protect both workers and livestock.”
