Milan Man Dies In Lawn Mower Accident

This accident happened on Tuesday.

(Ripley County, Ind.) - A Milan man died after becoming trapped under a lawn mower that overturned into a ditch. 

On Tuesday, around 10:24 p.m., Ripley County first responders and law enforcement were dispatched to County Road 225 East for an accident involving a lawn mower. 

Upon arrival, a John Deere zero turn mower was found upside down in a deep ditch filled with water.  

Thomas Beatley, 63, of Milan was found trapped under the overturned lawn mower. Once the mower was turned over, the Ripley County medic and Osgood Police pulled Beatley out. 

Beatley was pronounced dead at the scene. 

An initial investigation showed that Beatley was operating a 737 John Deere zero turn mower, driving it alongside the roadway over a large culvert running under the roadway. The area over the culvert pipe was on an incline and for unknown reasons the mower slid over the embankment. This caused Beatley to be pinned under the mower. 

Friends and family searched for the 63-year-old for an hour before finding the mower in the ditch. 

The accident will continue to be investigated by the Ripley County Sheriff's Office.

Delaware Fire and first responders, Ripley County Medic 10, Osgood Police and Rescue 30 assisted at the scene.