‘Tragic’: 91-year-old Wimmera farmer dies in quad bike accident

The Warracknabeal farming community is in mourning after a 91-year-old man was killed — the third death of a Wimmera farmer in as many weeks.

91-year-old Warracknabeal farmer Merv Thomas died in a quad bike accident on Thursday, February 29. Picture: File (Andy Rogers)

The Wimmera farming community has been struck by tragedy again, following the death of a third farmer in as many weeks.

Locals are mourning the loss of 91-year-old Wallup farmer Merv Thomas, who died on Thursday afternoon in a quad bike accident.

Mr Thomas was a neighbouring farmer of NFF president David Jochinke, farming in the northern Wimmera for generations.

“Merv and his family have farmed in the area for a long time. He was a strong VFF member, CFA member and was an excellent stockman, one of the best in the area,” Mr Jochinke said.

Mr Thomas’ death comes less than a week after beloved 61-year-old Wimmera farmer Mick Morcom died in an auger accident at a Kellalac farm, about 10km south of Warracknabeal, on Friday, February 23.

The Warracknabeal community is also mourning the loss of 57-year-old farmer Mark Huebner, who died in a tractor rollover on February 8 this year.

Mr Jochinke said Mr Thomas’ passing, the third death of a farmer in the region in three weeks, was “tragic” for the Wimmera agricultural community.

“I offer my sincere condolences to all three families who have lost a loved one,” Mr Jochinke said.

“One of our workers was also related to Mark Huebner, while Mick Morcom was just a stalwart of our industry.

“It is too many, too much loss and too much devastation.”

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said emergency services were called to a Wallup property at about 3pm on Thursday, February 29 following a quad bike accident.

She said the 91-year-old man was riding the quad bike when he was thrown from the vehicle. The quad bike did not rollover in the accident.

Police are preparing a report for the coroner and WorkSafe Victoria have been notified.

WorkSafe Victoria have confirmed they are investigating the accident.