Rochester man trapped under combine dies

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By SBT 24/7 News

Story Created: Oct 5, 2008 at 5:32 AM EST

Story Updated: Oct 5, 2008 at 5:32 AM EST

A Rochester man has died after he was trapped beneath a combine, the Fulton County Sheriff's Department said.

Authorities were called to the 7100 block of East 600 North, in the northeastern part of the county, about 4:15 p.m. Saturday afternoon.

There, they found 69-year-old David R. Utter underneath the combine.

Utter was pronounced dead at the scene, the sheriff's office said.

The Fulton County Coroner's Office has not yet released a cause of death and continues to investigate the case.

Wednesday, Oct 8 at 2:32 PM Grit wrote ...

Farming is one of America's most dangerous jobs. It involves heavy equiptment, unstable elements (like livestock and grain bins) and the worker is often alone on the job, so when an accident occures, it may not be detected soon enough to prevent extended damage. But, most farmer's consider their work more a lifestyle, almost a calling, than a job and wouldn't leave it if they could. I am sorry for this man's family and friends. I pray they find comfort in their sorrow.

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 10:34 AM barb wrote ...

WSBT screening.... Put yourselves in the shoes of the deceased ones' families. Maybe then you will be more selective of the comments you post.

Monday, Oct 6 at 6:51 PM offer my prayers wrote ...

I offer my prayers and sympathy to the family today and in the future. My grandfather also died in a farm accident. Never for any moment should anyone think farming is an easy job, or without risk!! (I have had friends say, all they do is drive a tractor...duuhh!!) This will stay with the family for a long, long time. I am sure the neighbors will come out and help with the harvest. Thats what farmers/friends do, help others in times of need! That is what life should be about!

Monday, Oct 6 at 2:08 PM Utter Family Friend wrote ...

Here is the record set straight. He was working under the grain head when it came down on him, pinning him down. Then he had the "heart attack". He did not have the heart attack and then the combine lowered on him. Please lets get the facts straight before we make conclusions.

Monday, Oct 6 at 10:41 AM Norman Pearls wrote ...

If you have a heart condition dont run a combine. Anything could happen. This poor man was not told by his doctor not to drive or use any heavy object where could be a danger for him or anybody else around. I feel so sorry for the loss and if anyone has a coronary bypass or cyrrosis on the liver, please, please by the sakes of your family and other loves ones Do not use combines or drive trucks or cars. It is so dangerous for yourself and other around you.

Monday, Oct 6 at 8:33 AM wow wrote ...

it is very sad when another TRUE AMERICAN HERO leaves us.

Monday, Oct 6 at 5:17 AM Fulton County resident wrote ...

I didn't make that very clear. He was found under the combine and the combine head had to be lifted off him but the heart attack appears to have happened before the combine head lowered on him. (It was running and may have not came down fast.) We should know the coroner's report today. (The blood test showed high levels of the enzymes accompanied with a massive heart attack.)

Monday, Oct 6 at 2:35 AM Lin wrote ...

My sympathies and prayers go out to Mr. Utter's family, friends, and other loved ones. As the daughter of a farmer, I realize how much work and sacrafice they put into their work so all of us may have food.

Sunday, Oct 5 at 10:14 PM Fulton County resident wrote ...

We are hearing that Mr Utter died of a heart attack instead of the combine falling on him and causing his death. More information tomorrow after hearing the coroner's final report.

Sunday, Oct 5 at 9:45 PM Utter Family Friend wrote ...

I have know him all my life and he will be greatly missed. He was a great support when we lost my grandmother last month. God Bless and Thank you for the thought and prayers.

Sunday, Oct 5 at 6:03 PM Father Gielbaga wrote ...

Let us pause and pray for this poor soul that died under a combine that probably was working on the pumpkins and the corn and other food items that will be needed for Thanksgiving that is around the corner. Holy Mary mother of God, we pray for this soul that has gone from our midst and may the angels or heaven, St. Raphael, and St. Michael lead him to paradise. If he has committed sins specially the unpardonable ones, please forgive him and by the sake of St.Anthony of Padua allow him in paradis

Sunday, Oct 5 at 5:15 PM sad about the story wrote ...

All to often this sort of thing seems to happen to nice people. I agree with 332 confusion. It sounds like he had a pretty good life though.

Sunday, Oct 5 at 3:32 PM Cornfusion wrote ...

Traditionally we celebrate our nations bounty at Thanksgiving but we should never be bashful about giving thanks for our countries ability to grow food and the people who risk much to do so. Weather and economic conditions always play a role in the equation of what type of year a grower will have. But every once in a while it cost them the ultimate sacrifice as well. To the family left behind please know that people do appreciate the contribution farmers make to our quality of life in America.

Sunday, Oct 5 at 3:22 PM utter neighbor wrote ...

This was a very nice man. We will miss seeing him out farming and around the community. My condolances to the family.

Sunday, Oct 5 at 2:46 PM Mandy/Neighbor wrote ...

I am still trying to comprehend what happened I was down there when they covered him up. I'm trying to imagine how life will be without him always down the road. Ronnie was like a grandfather to me and he will be deeply missed from alot of people.

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