Freak fatal ag accident claims life of Dilley man

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“Always notify someone when working alone, especially in rural areas”

A tragic agricultural accident in Frio County has left a local community mourning and serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of farm equipment maintenance.

Frio County deputies dispatched to a rural residence along CR 4614 in Dilley on Friday, May 22 shortly after 2 p.m. after the landowner, 66-year-old Morgan Brundrett, was found deceased by his son.

According to investigators, a woman staying on the property reported seeing an unmanned tractor operating earlier in the day.

Upon further investigation, authorities determined that Brundrett was operating the tractor while pulling a shredder when he was struck by a tree branch.

The impact caused Brundrett to fall backward off the machine.

Investigators noted that the tractor’s seat mount was severely aged and rusted out, with no signs of intact bolting to secure it to the frame.

“It appears after falling from the tractor that he was pulled beneath the active shredder,” investigators noted in a preliminary report. “It does not look as if anything was broken so we do not believe that it was bolted down or anything.

While Frio County officials are awaiting the final autopsy report from the medical examiner to officially close the case, preliminary findings point to a devastating, equipment-related freak accident.

Authorities have classified this event as a rare and tragic mishap, agricultural safety experts emphasize that heavy machinery accidents can often be prevented through rigorous inspection routines and strict operational protocols.

When operating tractors and heavy machinery like shredders, deputies urge landowners and operators to focus on three critical pillars – routine mechanical and structural inspections, communication, and a clear work area.

“Always notify someone when working alone, especially in the rural areas of our county,” Sheriff Peter Salinas said. “Let them know the specific location, task you are performing and an estimated time of return. This was a tragedy and we express our sincere condolences to the family members.”