A 66-year-old man from Bridgeville, Delaware, died April 10, 2026, after becoming trapped in a grain tank at Evans Farms on Redden Road. A 20-year-old man from the same town was rescued with non-life-threatening injuries after a multi-hour operation involving numerous fire and rescue agencies.
Delaware State Police responded around 4:50 p.m. to reports of two men trapped inside a grain tank at the farm located at 12696 Redden Road in Bridgeville. The Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Company arrived first, confirmed the situation, and requested additional technical rescue resources. Crews from Sussex and Kent counties, along with mutual aid from Maryland, worked for approximately eight hours to free the men.
The preliminary investigation determined that the two men had entered the tank to clear a clogged auger filled with corn. While inside, corn from a higher level slid down and trapped them. Rescue teams used specialized equipment to remove the grain and extract the victims. The 20-year-old was removed around 8:13 p.m. and transported to a hospital. The 66-year-old was located later and pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld pending notification of his family.
The Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit is handling the case as a standard agricultural accident investigation.
Evans Farms owners Kevin and Katey Evans issued a statement expressing deep sorrow. They described the deceased as a valued team member who was like family and a positive light on the farm. They noted gratitude that the younger man survived and is healing physically and mentally. The family emphasized that the tragedy occurred despite daily awareness of farming risks and highlighted the mental burdens carried by those in agriculture.
The statement thanked first responders who arrived quickly, some coming directly from their own farms. Multiple agencies participated, including the Sussex County Technical Rescue Team, Kent County Special Operations Team, New Castle County Special Operations Team, and teams from Salisbury, Ocean City, Selbyville, Georgetown, Seaford, and others. The operation involved coordinated efforts across state lines and lasted into the early morning hours of April 11.
Stephen Gilbert, associated with regional technical rescue teams, posted appreciation for the collaboration among neighboring teams. He noted the physically and mentally demanding nature of such incidents and the importance of pre-established relationships that allow seamless handoffs during prolonged rescues. No shortcuts exist in technical grain bin operations, he added.
Selbyville Volunteer Fire Company logs showed the initial alert at approximately 4:55 p.m. for a confined space rescue involving two subjects trapped 30 to 40 feet down. Tower 88 from Selbyville was requested, and additional units including Delaware State Police aviation and medics from multiple counties responded. The first victim was removed at 8:13 p.m., and the second at 1:15 a.m.
Grain bin entrapments remain a recognized hazard in agriculture. Flowing grain can engulf a person in seconds, and rescue requires specialized training and equipment to avoid further collapse. Officials have long urged farmers to use safety protocols, such as locking out equipment and employing harnesses or observers when entering bins.
The incident has prompted an outpouring of community support for the Evans family and the victims’ loved ones. Prayers and messages came from across Delaware, Maryland, and as far as Utah, according to the farm’s statement. The family asked for continued prayers for the injured man’s recovery, the deceased man’s wife and family, the farm team, and all responders carrying emotional weight from the event.
Farming in Southern Maryland and the Delmarva Peninsula involves daily handling of grain storage and equipment. Local operators and emergency services regularly train for such scenarios, yet accidents still occur when routine maintenance turns dangerous. This event serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance around grain handling systems.
The investigation continues. No charges have been reported at this time, as authorities classify the matter as a tragic accident.
Southern Maryland and Delmarva residents familiar with agricultural life expressed solidarity with the farming community. The loss underscores both the dedication required to produce food and the inherent risks that come with the work.
