Michael Biadasz, 29, who worked on his father’s farm in Amherst, Wisconsin, was cleaning out a football field-sized tank of cow manure when he was found dead around 6:30am on Monday, reports WAOW.
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His father, Bob, said the tragedy was the “perfect storm” of odd weather conditions and noxious fumes.
Michael Biadasz and sixteen cattle died after becoming overwhelmed by gases from the waste repository near Amherst, Wisconsin, a coroner ruled.
Michael Biadasz was found dead Monday morning by other farmers who were about to begin hauling manure away from the tank, authorities said.
Coroner Scott Rifleman told the Associated Press he was “overcome” by methane or sulfur oxide present in the manure.
About 13 cows also died from coming into contact with the toxic manure fumes. Warm temperatures in the upper atmosphere can create a heat-trapping dome, making it hard for toxic fumes – like the ones present in manure – to disperse.
In addition to the 13 cows that died, others became ill.
The farmer’s father said his son had cleaned the pit hundreds of times, but this time weather conditions prevented the deadly gases from dissipating.
Rifleman said further tests would be conducted to determine exactly which compound killed Biadasz. “The concerning factor is that this was in an open air pit”, he said.
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Rifleman said Baidasz’s family is “absolutely devastated” about his death.
