Lime Township, MN – An 82-year-old man was killed Monday afternoon after reportedly being run over by his own tractor in the yard of his Blue Earth County residence.
According to the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a farm accident on 570th Avenue in Lime Township’s section 19. The victim, identified as Gerald Orville Fredricks, was pronounced dead at the scene after life-saving efforts by emergency personnel were unsuccessful.
Preliminary investigation suggests Fredricks may have unintentionally started the tractor while it was in gear as he stood near one of the rear tires. Authorities say the tractor moved forward and struck him, eventually stopping after colliding with a UTV parked in front.
Personnel from the Le Sueur County Sheriff’s Office, Kasota Fire Department, Mayo Clinic Ground Ambulance, and Mayo Clinic Air Ambulance assisted in the response.
Officials have not released further details but confirmed the incident appears to be accidental. The sheriff’s office continues to investigate.
Residents in rural Minnesota are reminded to take precautions when operating farm equipment, including ensuring machinery is in neutral and turned off when not in use.
