Family pay tribute to much-loved dad who died after cow attack

The family of a man who died after being trampled by a cow that escaped from a livestock mart have paid tribute to their “loved dad, dadcu [grandfather], brother, uncle and friend to so many”.

Huw Evans, 75, from Whitland, Carmarthenshire, was airlifted to hospital after being seriously injured by the runaway cow, which had bolted from Whitland Mart on Saturday 25 November.

Dyfed-Powys Police said Mr Evans died at the University of Wales Hospital in Cardiff on Friday 25 November, six days after the incident in North Road, Whitland.

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The family said in a statement: “We would like to thank the community for their support and well wishes while Huw was in hospital and since his passing. We now know how much he will be missed.”

On the day of the incident train services had to be stopped after the cow strayed onto railway lines. With the consent of the owner, the animal was put down by marksmen, as it was “dangerously out of control”.

In a statement released after the incident, Dyfed-Powys Police said: “The cow had escaped from Whitland Mart and made its way to the centre of the village.

“It came across an elderly man in North Road, where it attacked and trampled him, causing serious injury.

“The cow then went on the rail track in the area, and trains had to be put on stop to mitigate the danger to them. Eventually, it made its way to a field, where every effort was made to safely contain it in consultation with the owner.

“Unfortunately, all attempts failed and, due to the danger posed by the animal, it was humanely dispatched with the consent of the owner.”

Dyfed-Powys Police and the Health and Safety Executive are investigating the circumstances of the incident.

A police spokesman said: “Enquiries are ongoing.”

Whitland Mart has not commented on the incident.