Forensic Analysis of Decapitation in an Agricultural Worker: A Case Report on Farm Tractor-Related Fatality

The agricultural sector relies heavily on farm workers who operate tractors and other associated heavy machinery, mostly attached to the vehicle itself. With that in mind, they are at high risk of occupational and road traffic-related fatalities. Decapitation resulting from these accidents is an exceptionally rare outcome. A 61-year-old male was found decapitated on a farm field he was working at, next to a running farm tractor. The body was delivered with a decapitated head, of which the spinal cord was striking through. Also, the left earlobe was completely amputated. On the upper part of the back, the print of the tractor tire pattern was seen, and on the right leg, a similar pattern was seen. Internal findings showed significant brain edema, bilateral subdural and subarachnoid hemorrhage, and complete horizontal laceration of the pontomedullary junction and basilar artery. The neck organs, along with the tongue, were mostly destroyed, with a partly destroyed pharynx, esophagus, and hard palate. Toxicological analysis detected an alcohol concentration of 3.03 mg/mL in blood, while other substances were excluded. In each case of decapitation, it is necessary to find vital reactions and exclude postmortem mutilation. The cause of death was decapitation, and the manner of death was determined to be accidental. In this case, without witnesses, the autopsy was vital in the reconstruction of the crime scene based on the injuries involved. Macroscopic and microscopic examination of the wound edges showed that the decapitation occurred while the victim was alive, which is a crucial aspect of the autopsy process.