INDEPENDENCE — Police said a farmer has died after getting caught in a combine while harvesting oats in western Hennepin County.

The West Hennepin Public Safety Department said 62-year-old Mark McCulley got stuck in the harvesting machine Tuesday. According to a press release, he was dead when first responders arrived at the scene in Independence around 5:40 p.m.

West Hennepin Public Safety director Gary Kroells said McCulley is a well-known and respected farmer in the area. Kroells said McCulley’s death is a “cruel reminder” of the dangers of power equipment.

Police said foul play isn’t suspected, and the incident is under investigation.