Note: we are republishing this story to raise awareness for the Mike Biadasz farm safety and education memorial fund. Learn more at their Facebook page here as well as their website here.
A farmer and 16 of his cattle have died in a freak accident after a “dеаdly dome of air” formed in a Wisconsin farm’s manure holding tank.!!
According to WAOW, a 29-year-old farmer named Michael Biadasz, from Amherst, Wisconsin, died of gas poisoning on his family’s farm after being overcome by fumes of either methane or sulfur oxide. Initially, 13 of the farm’s cattle died as well; later, three more expired, bringing the total to 16 cattle dеаths.
The 29-year-old’s father, Bob Biadasz, co-owner of Biadasz Farms, said that the tragedy was the result of a “perfect storm” of unusual and unexpected weather conditions. When the tank was prepped to be pumped, warm upper air temperatures trapped the gases in a dome of air which then poisoned Michael and the cattle.
Biadasz was reportedly found dеаd when other workers arrived to begin hauling manure away from the tank.
“The family is devastated, absolutely devastated,” Portage County Coroner Scott Rifleman told WAOW.
Rifleman told WSAW that gas poisoning dеаths typically occur in closed areas, making the incident even more surprising. The coroner said that atmospheric pressure prevented the gases from dissipating.
The coroner went on to say that an investigation is underway to determine exactly what caused Biadasz’s dеаth. According to Rifleman, Biadasz had safely emptied the same tank hundreds of times prior to the fatal incident.
The Biadasz family honored Michael by parking a line of tractors and machinery along the road that passes the farm. Among the vehicles parked are a blue tractor, several red trucks, and Michael’s black pickup truck…
“As if there isn’t already enough dаngеr in the lives of farmers, this family had to suffer this freak accident,” one Facebook user commented on the story. “So sad.”
Following the tragic accident, many are calling for tougher regulations to be placed on manure holding tanks to prevent a similar incident in the future. According to All That’s News, the National Agriculture Safety Database says that there should be proper ventilation in areas where animals are stored and that warning signs must be posted nearby.
“In addition to adhering to proper construction and maintenance procedures for liquid manure storage facilities, owners should be encouraged to follow a few precautionary measures to protect both workers and livestock from harmful manure gases,” the NASD writes.
WASW reports that a similar unfortunate fate befell a Virginia family in 2007, when five of its members died as a result of a pipe blockage that caused a fatal buildup of methane gas.
Kathy Bates’ Well-being: Actress Reacts Intensely to Diagnosis of ‘Incurable’ Condition
In a poignant reminder that Hollywood celebrities share our humanity, Kathy Bates, the Academy Award-winning actress, candidly discusses her health journey in a recent interview with Dr. Phil.

Life threw her an unexpected curveball, casting her in the role of a real-life fighter as she confronted cancer for the second time. Reflecting on her past battle with ovarian cancer in 2003, which she endured silently, undergoing surgeries and chemotherapy without sharing her struggle publicly, Bates reveals the shock of facing breast cancer years later. With her trademark humor intact, she quips, “You think American Horror Story is scary? You should’ve been in that room with me.”

Opting for a double mastectomy to prevent further spread, Bates turned her personal tragedy into a beacon of hope for others. Her resilience shines through as she maintains her vibrant spirit, joking about her situation while expressing gratitude for her fans’ unwavering support.

Despite being currently cancer-free, Bates faces the lingering effects of lymphedema, a non-curable condition affecting many breast cancer survivors. Undeterred, she bravely shares her journey, advocating for regular check-ups and offering solace to those navigating similar challenges. Embracing her hardships as a catalyst for purpose, Bates serves as an ambassador for the Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN).
Through her raw honesty, Bates offers a glimpse into the realities of her battles, inspiring others to confront their own adversities with courage and resilience.
Please SHARE this article with your family and friends on Facebook.
Leave a Reply