The father of a 14-year-old boy who died following a horrific incident on a farm has described the family's anguish as their 'worst nightmare'.
A Life Cut Short in a Farm Tragedy
Aaron Anderson, a teenager from Consett, County Durham, passed away in hospital on Boxing Day. His death came four days after he sustained life-threatening injuries when a John Deere Gator farm vehicle overturned.
The accident occurred on December 21 at a farm off the B6310 near Burnopfield, where Aaron had gone to play with a friend. His father, Craig Anderson, a workshop manager, was attending a funeral in Blackpool at the time.
Aaron's mother, Donna, discovered the tragedy when she arrived to collect her son. "She didn't know anything about the accident until she arrived on site and saw the police," Craig told Chronicle Live.
A Boy 'Happiest Working on Farms'
In a moving tribute, the family remembered Aaron as a much-loved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend. They painted a picture of a young man with a deep passion for machinery and agriculture.
"Aaron was always happiest working on farms and fixing trucks," the family said. "Even at the age of 14 he had an amazing work ethic and already had two apprenticeship offers."
He lived with his parents and was a loving younger brother to 26-year-old Lewis. The family expressed profound sadness for the future he would never have, but also immense gratitude for the life he lived and the happy memories he left behind.
A Family's Unimaginable Grief
Speaking from the heart of his grief, Craig Anderson described the aftermath as horrendous. "It's your worst nightmare. No family should have to go through it," he said.
Aaron had been building a treehouse with his friend when the accident happened. He was rushed to the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle but could not be saved.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and highlights the ongoing concerns regarding safety on agricultural premises, especially involving young people and specialist vehicles.
