Farmer Dies After Falling Into Grain Bin North of Wentzville

Authorities say a 75-year-old farmer died after he fell into a grain bin and was trapped.

St. Charles County police say first responders recovered Paul Hepperman’s body Friday morning from a grain bin on his property north of Wentzville.

Capt. Dave Tiefenbrunn says Hepperman apparently was trying to unclog the grain bin when he fell in.

Hunters who came on the scene alerted the man's wife and called authorities.

About 50 firefighters from multiple jurisdictions arrived and attempted to rescue the man at 605 Mexico Road.

Hepperman died at the scene.

Purdue University reports that at least 35 grain bin deaths occurred in 2020.