Caddo County Man Killed Trying To Crank Start Vintage John Deere Tractor

News9.com

CADDO COUNTY, Oklahoma -- A 72-year-old Gracemont man was killed as he tried to crank start a 1940s model John Deere tractor Saturday evening, according to a report by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

The accident took place between the hours of 5 and 8 p.m. on private property located near County Road 1230 and Country Street 2630 in Caddo County.

Troopers say Leon G. Griffitts didn't realize the tractor was in gear while he stood next to it trying to start the engine by hand. The tractor began backing up out of control, and when Griffitts tried to disengage the clutch, his clothing became entangled. He was dragged for an unknown distance and time before being found at 10:10 p.m. that night.

Trooper Thomas Setters of the Caddo County OHP detachment said Griffits' condition at the time of the accident was apparently normal.