Man dead after farming accident

VW independent staff/submitted information

CRANE TOWNSHIP — A weekend farming accident in northern Paulding County claimed an Antwerp-area man.

Keith E. Derck, 59, was described as a well-known farmer in Carryall Township, just outside of Antwerp. He died late Sunday afternoon.

According to a press release from Paulding County Sheriff Jason K. Landers, the Sheriff’s Office received a call about a tractor pulling an anhydrous tank in a field that had become stuck in a ditch in Section 22 in Crane Township. Crane Township-Cecil Fire Department arrived on scene to find anhydrous leaking from the tank, attached to a John Deere 9220, in a large ditch. Derck was found unconscious in the cab.

Crane Township-Cecil Fire Department requested help from several surrounding fire departments to control the anhydrous leak. Once it was safe to remove Derck from the tractor, first responders found him deceased.

The Paulding County Coroner was called to the scene to assist law enforcement with the investigation. The coroner will work with the Lucas County Coroner’s Office to determine cause of death.

Several fire departments and EMS were on scene to assist, along with Paulding County EMA.

No further information is expected to be released.