Bin entrapment takes life of New Richland man

A rural New Richland man died Monday morning after becoming trapped inside an overhead grain bin at his farm.

The Waseca County Sheriff’s Office identified the man as Michael Supalla, 75.

His wife called for emergency assistance about 11:20 a.m., when she was unable to make contact with Supalla – who she knew was inside the bin, which held corn.

Crews from the WCSO, New Richland Police Department, New Richland Fire & Rescue, Waseca Fire & Rescue, Ellendale Fire & Rescue, and North Memorial Ambulance responded to the scene.

Supalla was pronounced dead at the scene.

Despite improvements in rescue equipment and safety awareness, survival rates have not consistently improved. Most years still see over 50% of incidents end in death, with 2023 reporting a fatality rate of 59.3%. Entrapments continue to occur most frequently in major grain-producing states like Iowa, Indiana, Illinois and Minnesota.