In 2016, young Wisconsin farmer Michael Biadasz began what seemed like a normal workday on his family farm. While preparing a manure pit for hauling, deadly gases became trapped by a rare weather condition involving warm air and morning fog, preventing the toxic fumes from dispersing.
The invisible gases quickly overwhelmed 29-year-old Mike and killed 16 nearby cows before other workers arrived. Friends later said everything looked completely normal that morning, making the tragedy even more shocking.
Mike’s sudden death devastated his family and community, with over 1,200 people attending his visitation. Remembered as a hardworking and kind-hearted man who could connect with anyone, Mike left a lasting impact on those around him.
After the tragedy, his family created the Mike Biadasz Farm Safety and Education Memorial Fund to raise awareness about the hidden dangers of manure gas exposure and help prevent similar accidents for other farmers.