The Deadliest Profession; While National News Spotlights Mine Tragedies, Farmers Tackle a Riskier Job

Summary

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Gerald Cota still doesn't know exactly what happened the day his 12-year-old son, Ted, was killed in a farm accident. But the questions and regret remain through the acceptance nearly seven years later.

Ted had spent nearly 30 hours that week in 1999 chopping corn stalks on his family's rural Dubuque farm. All of the field work was finished and Ted was driving the tractor and rake to put them away for the winter.

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The Deadliest Profession; While National News Spotlights Mine Tragedies, Farmers Tackle a Riskier Job

He was making a sharp turn when the guide wire from a utility pole caught the axle of the tractor, flipping it over.

Cota said the steering wheel crushed his son's chest, more than likely killing him quickly. The idea that his youngest son didn't suffer long comes as a slight consolation for Cota....

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