A FARMER suffered catastrophic fatal injuries after being trampled by an out of control cow, a sheriff has ruled.
Fraser Johnstone was thrown to the ground and stamped on by the female cow while he was trying to tend to the cow’s calf.
GettyThe cow was being overprotective of its calf[/caption]
Johnstone, 83, was feeding the animal on his farm near Balnuran, Inverness-shire when its mother turned on him and the horror attack unfolded.
Mr Johnstone, a father of two, managed to struggle back to his home after suffering the violent trampling.
With blood and bruising around his mouth he told his wife what had happened.
An ambulance was called and Johnstone was raced to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.
After receiving treatment his condition began to deteriorate and he tragically passed away in hospital.
Mr Johnstone suffered a heart attack and his family made the decision to switch off his life support machine.
The cause of death was ruled to be mutli-organ failure, rib fractures and crush injuries.
A fatal accident inquiry at Inverness Sheriff Court ruled that nothing could have been done to prevent his death.
Sheriff Eilidh MacDonald said there were no defects in any working systems and made no recommendations.
A written judgment said: “The cause of the accident resulting in the death was that while Mr Johnstone was feeding colostrum to a calf, he was attacked by a female cow which pinned him against a wall, threw him to the ground and trampled him on his chest and body.
“He had been a farmer all his life.
“He had continued working right up to the time of the accident. He kept cattle on the farm.
“He was an experienced cattle farmer and the risks associated with cattle handling would have been well known to him.
“This was a tragic accident for which I extend my condolences to Mr Johnstone’s family for their loss.”
Fraser sadly passed away after the out of control cow violently trampled him, leaving him with severe injuries
A fundraiser set up in his name in aid of Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland raised £1,300.
Procurator fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on fatalities investigations for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said: “We note the sheriff’s determination.
“The procurator fiscal ensured that the full facts and circumstances of Mr Johnstone’s death were provided at the mandatory fatal accident inquiry.
“The determination has been provided to Mr Johnstone’s family and our thoughts are with them at this time.”
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