Oregon Farmer Tragically Killed by Pigs in Disturbing Incident

A tragic incident unfolded in October 2012 when 69-year-old farmer Terry Vance Garner was killed by his pigs on his coastal farm in Oregon. Garner was last seen feeding his livestock, and the only trace of him later discovered was his set of dentures. His body was largely consumed by the pigs, leaving investigators with only a few remains to work with.

In the aftermath, Coos County district attorney’s office confirmed that one of the pigs had previously attacked Garner. These animals were substantial in size, each weighing around 700 pounds. Officials believe the pigs may have knocked Garner down before consuming him. An alternative theory suggests that he might have suffered a medical emergency, such as a heart attack, prior to the attack.

A pathologist was unable to determine the exact cause of death, prompting an examination of his remains by a forensic anthropologist at the University of Oregon. The incident raised significant questions about safety on farms, particularly concerning interactions between farmers and livestock.

Garner’s elder brother, Michael Garner, described him as a “good-hearted guy” who had dedicated much of his life to raising pigs and other animals. “Those animals were his life,” said Michael Garner, aged 75. The brothers operated a small farm where they would sell piglets to local children, fostering a sense of community around their agricultural activities.

Terry Garner was also a Vietnam War veteran who faced challenges related to post-traumatic stress disorder. According to his brother, the farm served as a “life-saver” for him, providing a sense of purpose and connection. Michael revealed that one of the hogs had bitten his brother a year earlier after he accidentally stepped on a piglet. Although Terry considered culling the animal after the incident, he ultimately decided against it.

The local district attorney, Paul Frasier, commented on the incident, stating, “For all we know, it was a horrific accident, but it’s so doggone weird that we have to look at all possibilities.” He had initially withheld details of the case but felt compelled to share them after news of the incident began to circulate.

This incident has highlighted the potential dangers rural farmers face when working with large animals. The intersection of human health and farm safety continues to be a critical consideration, particularly in light of such tragic events.