Newhall man killed in lawn mower accident

Authorities said a Newhall man died Wednesday evening when a lawn mower he was riding rolled into a ditch.

Tim F. Mehlert, 55, was died in the accident at his residence, 6863 25th Ave., according to the Benton County sheriff's office. Deputies responded to the incident around 8:25 p.m. and found Mehlert trapped under a large riding lawn mower.

Investigators determined Mehlert was mowing the road edge when the mower slipped into the ditch and rolled on top of him. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mehlert enjoyed hunting and fishing, and participated in the Tractorcade event with his father's Farmall M, according to an obituary received by The Gazette. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 Monday at St. John Lutheran Church in Newhall.