Two off-duty volunteer firefighters, Nathan Doody, 33, and Tyler Memory, 29, died after falling into a manure tanker at Champion Farms in Clinton, New York. The accident occurred on a Thursday morning as they were overcome by toxic fumes while attempting to retrieve equipment.
Doody, from DeRuyter, and Memory, from Tully, were working for Dairy Support Services, a contracting company that plants, fertilizes, and harvests for farms. The local police said that one of the men attempted to recover a piece of equipment that had dropped into the tanker. Overcome by the fumes, he passed out and fell inside. The other man, attempting to rescue his colleague, also was overwhelmed by the fumes and fell into the tanker. Farm staff found both men unconscious and called 911. The men were taken to a nearby hospital by paramedics, where they were declared dead.
Assistant Chief Joe Nemier from the Tully Joint Fire Department described the event as an “unforeseen and unusual accident.” He spoke about Memory’s dedication to the fire service, mentioning that Memory joined the department at 14 and was a third-generation firefighter. “Tyler had a deep passion for firefighting and farming. He found freedom and a lack of judgment in these roles, which he cherished,” Nemier said.
Doody, a truck driver and a volunteer at the Cuyler Fire Department for the past decade, was equally committed to his community. Chief Adam Daley of the Cuyler Fire Department noted, “Nathan was not just a firefighter but a valued member of our community, always ready to lend a hand.” He left behind a wife and two little girls.
Hydrogen sulfide, a colorless gas with the characteristic odor of rotten eggs, is produced by manure and is highly toxic. It can cause symptoms ranging from headaches and dizziness to unconsciousness and death. This gas can accumulate in low-lying and enclosed spaces, posing significant worker risks.
Dan Neenan, director of the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety, confirmed that at high concentrations, hydrogen sulfide can quickly cause loss of consciousness and death. “It’s your automatic reaction to try and help, but the best thing to do is step back and call 911,” Neenan said the community has been profoundly affected by this loss. Doody and Memory were known for their commitment to firefighting and agricultural work. “They were more than colleagues; they were friends who shared a passion for farming and firefighting,” said a local resident.
Champion Farms, a historic 10th-generation beef and dairy farm spanning 3,500 acres, has operated since the early 1800s.