Farmer, 63, nicknamed ‘Mr Potato’ crushed to death by one tonne bag of spuds as heartbroken daughter pays tribute

A FARMER nicknamed “Mr Potato” has been crushed to death by a one-tonne bag of spuds. Nivaldo Magagnin, 63, was killed after a steel rod suspending a large sack of taters two metres above the ground broke, cops believe. The tragic vegetable farmer was killed after a sack of spuds fell on him Credit: Harrisons Nivaldo Magagnin, 63, died after being crushed by a sack of potatoes Credit: Harrisons His heartbroken daughter paid tribute to the former city councillor who died just one day after his birthday in Brazil. The tragic dad owned a food trading and processing firm which earned him his potato-related moniker. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! He was working at the family spud business in Southern Santa Catarina on Wednesday morning when the large bulk bag fell on top of him. Emergency services rushed to the scene and found Nivaldo trapped underneath the load. His devastated daughter said on social media following the suspected workplace accident: “Goodbye, my best friend.” Nivaldo was originally from Pedras Grandes, whose city hall said as they paid respects: “The city hall decreed three days of mourning due to the death. “Councilman Nivaldo leaves behind a legacy of dedication and service to the municipality.” Nivaldo did not suffer any external injuries, and firefighters confirmed he had died at the scene. Most read in The Sun A steel cable holding up a hulking sack of potatoes is understood to have snapped above the farmer’s head, authorities say. A witness told cops nearby employees heard a loud pop and bang before discovering Nivaldo under the massive sack. Staff and his loved ones raced to try and remove the potatoes as emergency services scrambled. But he died despite their desperate efforts. The beloved farmer was known as “Nivaldo the Potato” – a nickname he used when standing for election in his municipal council in 2024. He earned 437 votes and became a councillor for Treze de Maio – but continued operating his family endeavour on the side. His daughter has also served as a local councillor in the same area. Treze de Maio cops have launched a probe into the circumstances of his death. But police are treating the case as a workplace accident. Comment now