Man dies after becoming trapped in grain bin in Brookings County

February 18, 2020
Mike Tanner

BROOKINGS, S.D.–Authorities with the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office are expected to release details today on a man who became trapped in a grain bin on Monday and died.

Assistant Sheriff Scott Sebring confirmed the fatality in a conversation with KWAT News this morning, but would not release any other information. He says his office expects to issue a news release with more details later today. 

The man’s death comes as U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue issued a proclamation claiming this week “National Grain Bin Safety Week.”

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, who lost her father in a grain bin accident, is encouraging producers to, “evaluate safety procedures on their farms and ranches. Slow down and be safe, and your family will thank you for it.”

The purpose of Grain Bin Safety Week is to promote education and awareness of the hazards and safe work practices in an effort to reduce the number of accidents associated with grain handling and storage.