Farmer, 78, Killed by Cow in ‘Tragic’ Accident

A longtime farmer died after being trampled by a cow in what authorities called a heartbreaking accident on a rural farm.

Gordon Chalmers, 78, of Thriepland Farm in Boyndie, Aberdeenshire, suffered catastrophic crush injuries while working inside a cow shed in October 2024. He was rushed by helicopter to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, but died in the hospital two days later.

The tragedy unfolded as Chalmers was helping sort cattle into groups ahead of the winter season, when the animals would be kept indoors. He was working alongside his wife, son and an employee at the time.

According to evidence heard during a Fatal Accident Inquiry, the group had nearly finished the job and was down to the final two cows when witnesses heard a sudden “rumbling or roaring sound” coming from the area where Chalmers was working.

Moments later, the 78-year-old farmer was found on the ground.

Sheriff Robert McDonald later ruled that the death was a “tragic accident,” but said one safety measure may have made a difference. He determined that a gate separating Chalmers from the animals would have been a reasonable precaution that might have prevented the fatal incident.

Still, the sheriff found that the tragedy was not caused by a broken safety system or a defective workplace setup. Instead, he said Chalmers had his own way of doing things after decades of experience on the farm.

“It is clear from the witness statements that Mr. Chalmers was a gentleman who knew his business and had his own preferred way of doing things, which he would not change,” McDonald said.

The sheriff added that the incident appeared to come down to Chalmers’ preferred method of working, rather than any formal failure in the farm’s procedures.

No recommendations were made following the inquiry.

McDonald offered condolences to Chalmers’ grieving family, saying: “I would wish to extend my sincere condolences to the family of the late Mr. Chalmers for their sad loss as a result of this tragic accident.”

The devastating case highlights just how dangerous farm work can be, even for experienced farmers who have spent a lifetime around animals.