FARMINGTON — The death of a longtime farm worker on Friday was being investigated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Ernest Bubar, 55, died of injuries he sustained when he was thrown to the ground and pinned by a bull at Sandy River Farms on Route 2. Officer Wayne Drake of the Farmington Police Department said the Maine Medical Examiner’s Office was examining the body to determine the exact cause of death. OSHA is investigating because it was a workplace incident, he said.

Bubar worked for 12 years at Sandy River Farms, according to a statement issued by owners L. Herbert “Bussie” and Brenda York. The couple wrote in their statement that Bubar was attempting to herd a rogue bull into a pasture when the accident occurred.

Drake said it appeared that the bull, which did not have horns, became angry and knocked Bubar to the ground with its head, then pinned down the veteran farm worker while stomping him with its hooves.

Bubar was able to use his cell phone to call nearby workers for help. The statement says the other farm workers secured the bull and helped paramedics move Bubar to an ambulance.

Drake said the animal was still angry when he arrived at the 600-acre dairy and crop farm. The animal was eventually herded back into a pasture.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy,” the Yorks said in their statement. “Ernie was a devoted employee of our family farm for many years and will be missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bubar family at this very sad time for us all.”

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