Man Killed On Michigan Dairy Farm Was Found In Manure Pit

MILLINGTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WWJ/AP) - A 55-year-old who was killed on his dairy farm in Michigan's Thumb region was found man was found in a manure pit.

The Tuscola County sheriff's office said when firefighters found the man around 4:30 a.m. Friday, he was "beyond any medical assistance."

Rainbow Creek Farms co-owner Diane Foley confirmed to MLive.com that her husband, Steve Foley, was the victim. She says her husband's death "was an accident."

Officials say Steve Foley was found in a manure pit that measured approximately 8 feet by 8 feet, and 10 to 12 feet deep. HAZMAT crews responded to the scene before his body could be removed from the pit, which had 12 to 16 inches of liquid manure at the bottom.

After completing the air testing both around the top of the manure pit and inside the pit itself, crews recovered Steve Foley's body. An autopsy is planned.

Diane Foley said she and her husband have owned the Millington Township farm, southeast of Saginaw, together for 15 years.

An investigation is ongoing.

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