A Newsoms farmer was fatally injured in a farm accident Tuesday morning.

Southampton County sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene in the 28000 block of Blackhead Signpost Road just outside of Newsoms at about 9:15 a.m., according to Sheriff Vernie Francis. He said that the victim, Guy “Buddy” Pope Rountree Jr., and his son were working in a cotton field.

Francis said that the Sheriff’s Department’s investigation found that Rountree was attempting to start a tractor when the accident occurred.

“When it started, it engaged and pulled him under,” Francis said. “This is just a tragic accident.”