Tractor Incidents Claim 2 Lives in Michigan, Kentucky

Authorities in two states are investigating separate tractor incidents that left older farmers dead this week.

In Bertrand Township, Michigan, a 78-year-old man died Wednesday after losing control of his tractor, which rolled over along U.S. 12 near Franklin Street around 2:30 p.m. First responders attempted life-saving measures, but the farmer was pronounced dead at the scene, according to mlive Michigan.

The Michigan State Police said the investigation is ongoing. Troopers also reiterated basic safety guidance for operators: “drive slowly,” understand a tractor’s “center of gravity,” use caution on slopes, stay alert to people and vehicles, and avoid ditches and embankments that can trigger rollovers.

In rural Casey County, Kentucky, the coroner says 80-year-old Garland Davis died after a suspected medical emergency caused him to fall from a moving tractor, which then ran over him and continued forward until it struck a home’s back porch. The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday on Green River Valley Road, about eight miles from Liberty, WKYT reported. A local station, WKDO, noted the community response and funeral arrangements at Green River Valley Separate Baptist Church, where services are planned.

Officials in both states emphasized awareness and caution during late-season field work. Michigan troopers urged rural motorists to expect slow-moving farm equipment and minimize distractions; farm operators were reminded to use seatbelts and ROPS when available and to avoid steep side-slopes that can quickly destabilize older tractors.

Programs such as the National ROPS Rebate Program help farmers offset retrofit costs, but awareness and training remain critical. Investigators consistently find that even experienced operators are vulnerable to rollovers when working on uneven terrain, in low light, or near steep embankments. Authorities encourage farmers to pair equipment upgrades with safety training and regular maintenance of work areas to reduce risks.

»Related: Helping farmers survive rollovers on older tractors