A tragic accident claimed the lives of two men at an upstate New York farm when they fell into a manure tanker. The incident occurred at Champion Farm in the town of Kirkland, leading to the untimely deaths of Nathan Doody, 33, from DeRuyter, and Tyler Memory, 29, from Tully. Both victims were dedicated volunteer firefighters, making their loss deeply felt in their respective communities.

The sequence of events leading to the tragedy began when Nathan Doody fell into the tanker while attempting to retrieve a piece of equipment. Tyler Memory followed in an attempt to rescue him. Unfortunately, both were overcome by noxious fumes inside the tanker and passed out. Farm staff discovered them unconscious and immediately called 911 for assistance.

Emergency responders, including the Clinton Fire Department, the Oneida County Sheriff's Department, and Mercy Flight helicopters, quickly arrived on the scene. Despite their best efforts, both men were pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.

Noxious gases such as hydrogen sulfide, methane, ammonia, and carbon dioxide, produced by decomposing manure, are known to be fatal. The presence of these gases was a contributing factor in the men's loss of consciousness and subsequent passing.

Tyler Memory's 15-year career as a firefighter began when he was just 14, displaying a lifelong commitment to serving his community. Nathan Doody had also shown unwavering dedication, volunteering at the Cuyler Fire Department for 10 years.

The deaths of these two brave individuals serve as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with manure storage and handling. Their passing leaves a void in the firefighting community and underscores the importance of safety measures in agricultural environments.

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