Local Man Dies in A Tractor Accident

A man died in a tractor accident in La Grange on Saturday, May 30.

La Grange Police Chief David Gilbreath said Officer Brett Meinardus received a call around 4:03 p.m. reporting an accident at the Ohnheiser Cattle property, located just west of La Marina Restaurant on SH 71 Business.

“It appears the man was feeding cattle,” Gilbreath said. “We think he left the tractor running and got off to open a gate. The tractor rolled forward and pinned him between the tractor and the gate.”

Gilbreath identified the deceased as 51-year-old Freddie Palacios Jr. of Schulenburg.

Gilbreath said one of the property owners discovered the accident after the man failed to answer his cell phone. The tractor the man was driving was a John Deere 5085D, Gilbreath said.

Fayette County EMS arrived and attempted life saving measures, but they were unsuccessful. Pct. 3 Justice of the Peace Charles Zapalac was summoned to conduct the inquest. Fayette County Sheriff’s Deputy Joe Gonzales also assisted.