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A well-known farmer in Wales was found dead in a slurry tank, an inquest heard.

North Wales Police confirmed 67-year-old Islwyn Owen had died 'unexpectedly' at his farm near Bala around 10.30pm on September 4.

An inquest opening into Mr Owen's death held on Wednesday (September 18) in Caernarfon said the Gwynedd farmer was found in a slurry tank.

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He had been working at Cefn Bodig at Llanycil in Meirionydd but was reported missing at around 8.50pm before being found in the slurry tank at 10.30pm.

Mr Owen was pronounced deceased by paramedics at the scene.

Coroner Kate Robertson said she had reasonable cause to suspect that his death was 'unnatural'.

The inquest was adjourned for a unspecified later date to be heard in full.

Tributes were paid to the Gwynedd farmer shortly after his death.

He has been remembered, by those who knew him, as a man who devoted his life to agriculture. 

The Maesywaen Area Show Committee said Mr Owen had been a champion of agriculture shows and farming. 

"We are saddened by the devastating news of Islwyn Owen's death," a spokesperson said.

"Islwyn was an active member of the show organisers and one of the biggest supporters of the show's activities from the start.

"Islwyn was a caring farmer who was proud of his stock.

"The Committee sends our deepest sympathy to his widow Margaret and their wider family.

"This is a huge loss to our community."

Gwynedd councillor Alan Jones Evans, who represents the Llanuwchllyn ward, said he was shocked to learn of Mr Owen's death.

He said: "That was his life - agriculture, he was a tidy farmer and that was his complete world.

"Everyone knew who Islwyn was.

"Islwyn was very well known in the agricultural world locally and beyond.

"He was a familiar face at every agricultural and society show in the whole area, and this news is a loss for the local area."

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