Farmer crushed to death by hay baler

An Otago farmer was found dead last night after a hay baling machine he was working on fell on to his chest.

Police said today that Dennis Francis Flannery, 43, a father of four, had been working underneath a large round baler in an implement shed at his Poolburn property near Omakau, northeast of Alexandra.

Senior Constable Colin Stevenson, of Omakau police, said Mr Flannery's wife Sharleen found him but there was no sign of life when emergency services arrived.

It was suspected the accident may have happened two or three hours before he was found about 8.40pm.

Police and Labour Department occupational health and safety inspectors were today making a scene examination to establish what caused the baler to fall. The incident has been reported to the coroner.

"Mr Flannery was a well respected family man, farmer and talented sportsman," Mr Stevenson said.

Mr Flannery was a former Otago rugby representative and played cricket for a local team. His family had farmed in the area "for generations".

"His untimely death is devastating, not only for his family but the wider community, and he will be sadly missed," Mr Stevenson said.

- NZPA