Farmer dies from Electrocution in Clayton County

On June 2nd, 2024, at approximately 2:41 PM, deputies were dispatched to the area of 19518 HWY 52 south of the Clayton County Fairgrounds for a report of an electrocution. Deputies arrived on scene at approximately 2:59 PM and located a deceased male near a corn field off of HWY 52. Deputies also observed a fully engulfed tractor in a nearby corn field. Fire department personnel and medical personnel were on scene when deputies arrived. The deceased male was later identified as 68 year old John Joseph Berns. It was later discovered by deputies that John had been spraying a nearby cornfield when the boom from his tractor made contact with the overhead powerline. Mr. Berns attempted to exit the tractor and was electrocuted as a result. John’s son was present during the event and performed life saving measures on John. The Clayton County Sheriff’s Office was assisted on scene by Farmersburg Fire Department, Farmersburg First Responders, and Mercy One Ambulance.