A 56-year-old Dallas man died Thursday following a corn meal feed incident on a dairy farm south of Corvallis.
Deputies from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office responded to the incident about 2:45 p.m.
They discovered David Breyman III, 56, unconscious, not breathing, and with no pulse.
According to the sheriff’s office, the incident involved a truck transporting 27 tons of corn meal feed. Breyman was alone, emptying the feed using the trailer’s unloading gear.
Deputies believe the feed caused the gate to swing open, forcing and trapping Breyman against the barn wall.
A neighboring farmworker heard Breyman shout, called for aid, and turned off the trailer’s unloading mechanism to prevent additional grain from building up.
Deputies and witnesses on the scene tried lifesaving measures but were unsuccessful.
Corvallis Fire Department officials came shortly thereafter and were able to aid in getting Breyman unpinned by removing a portion of the wall.
According to the sheriff’s office, Breyman was employed for a Polk County-based transportation and feed firm at the time of the incident, but the company was not identified.
Sheriff’s authorities described his death as a “tragic accident.”
“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family,” Benton County Sheriff Jef Van Arsdall stated in a statement. “Your dedication to put food on our tables does not go unnoticed and we’re terribly sorry for your loss.”
