Tragedy as farmer killed by bull

A farmer tragically killed in Whitchurch last week after being struck by a bull was well known to the Welshpool area having spent most of his life here.

Father of two Adrian Owen, 33, died after being hit by the animal on his family farm in Whitchurch whilst he was testing cattle for TB, and he has been mourned by a large number of friends who knew him from his time farming at Sychlyn, Pool Quay and Lower Varchoel, near Guilsfield.

Mr Owen moved to Shropshire only two years ago having purchased the 240 acre dairy unit.

Associates said he “transformed” the farm over a short period of time, putting up a new shed, and they said he wished to increase cow numbers to 300. His vet Rob George described his death as a “catastrophic loss”.

West Midlands Ambulance Service said it was called to the farm shortly before 1.15pm last Tuesday.

A paramedic in a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic care support officer in a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance crew and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Staffordshire attended the scene.

Chris Kowalik, a West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman, told Farmers Weekly: “Crews administered advanced life support at the scene and during the helicopter flight to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire, which had been put on alert.

“Despite those best efforts, he was confirmed dead at the hospital.”

An inquest was opened and adjourned on Monday by Shropshire Coroner John Ellery in Shrewsbury.