UNITED KINGDOM — Derek Mead, 70, was tending to his fields using a forklift truck when tragedy struck, reports the Telegraph.
He stopped the truck and got off the vehicle to open the gate, leaving his Jack Russell terrier inside the vehicle.
This is when the dog ended up hitting the shuttle lever.
The forklift began moving ahead, fatally crushing Mead against the gate.
A post-mortem examination found that Mead suffered spinal fractures and traumatic asphyxia due to the accident.
Mead's family said they are still grieving for the loss of their father and will focus on continuing his legacy.
