Elderly Donegal man dies after being crushed by trailer

An investigation is under way following the death of an elderly man in a farming accident in Co Donegal on Saturday.

The man, named locally as Packie Crumlish (71), died after being crushed by a trailer on his farm at Glenagiveney on the Inishowen peninsula. It is understood he had got out of his tractor to close a gate when the trailer rolled back on him.

Mr Crumlish’s wife Peggy witnessed the accident and made desperate attempts to save her husband.

She managed to call neighbours who rushed to the scene located about 5km from Moville. They managed to move the trailer but it’s understood the victim died a short time later.

The incident happened about 5pm at the close of a very warm and sunny day that saw farmers in the area make use of the unseasonably hot weather. Gardaí and the Health and Safety Authority are to carry out investigations into the accident.

Locals described Mr Crumlish as popular and had been a talented local soccer player in Moville up until his early 40s. The couple had no children.

A post mortem is to take place at Letterkenny General Hospital with funeral arrangements to be confirmed later. Local Labour councillor, Martin Farren, who knew the pensioner, offered his sympathies to his family and friends. "I would like to offer my condolences to Packie's wife Peggy and his extended family on his tragic death," said Cllr Farren.

“He was a quiet, unassuming person who was very well respected by all in our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very sad time.”