Tragic Loss on Wisconsin Farm: Farmer and 16 Cows Die After Deadly Gas Dome Forms in Manure Tank
In a heartbreaking accident on a family farm in Amherst, Wisconsin, 29-year-old farmer Michael Biadasz and 16 of his cattle lost their lives after being overcome by toxic gases trapped in a manure holding tank.
According to WAOW, Michael was poisoned by lethal fumes—likely methane or sulfur oxide—when a rare “deadly dome of air” formed over the tank. The initial tragedy claimed 13 cows, with three more succumbing later, leaving the family devastated.
Bob Biadasz, Michael’s father and co-owner of Biadasz Farms, described the event as a “perfect storm” of unusual weather conditions. Warm upper-air temperatures created a pressure dome that trapped toxic gases, preventing them from dispersing and turning the tank into a silent killer.
Michael was discovered by farm workers preparing to pump the tank, a routine task he had performed safely hundreds of times before. Portage County Coroner Scott Rifleman confirmed the deaths were caused by gas poisoning—a rare and tragic occurrence in an open area—explaining that atmospheric pressure played a critical role in the deadly buildup.
The Biadasz family has since paid tribute to Michael by lining tractors, trucks, and his beloved black pickup along the farm road—a poignant reminder of a life lost far too soon.
The tragedy has sparked calls for stronger safety regulations around manure storage. The National Agriculture Safety Database stresses the importance of proper ventilation and visible warning signs to protect both workers and livestock from harmful gases.
This devastating accident echoes a similar loss in Virginia in 2007, where five family members died from methane gas buildup caused by a pipe blockage.
As the community mourns, the hope is that increased awareness and safety measures can prevent such a terrible fate from happening again.