Farmer dies after falling in grain bin while trying to unclog it, Missouri officials say

A farmer died after he became trapped in the grain bin he fell into, Missouri officials say.

Paul Hepperman, 75, was trying to unclog a grain bin when he fell in Friday, Jan. 14, KTVI reported. Hunters later found his body in the grain bin.

Those hunters then went to the home on the property north of Wentzville, notified Hepperman’s wife and called for help that morning, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Paramedics with the St. Charles County Ambulance District responded to the call and tried removing grain from the silo, according to a tweet from the department.

“After an extensive effort, the individual was located, but unfortunately pronounced deceased on-scene,” authorities said.

In 2020, at least 35 “grain-related entrapments” were reported by the Agricultural Safety and Health Program at Purdue University. Of the 35 entrapments reported, 20 were fatal.

Wentzville is a suburb of the St. Louis metropolitan area.

This story was originally published January 14, 2022 at 3:41 PM with the headline "Farmer dies after falling in grain bin while trying to unclog it, Missouri officials say."