Man vacationing in Milwaukee dies in fall from drawbridge

MILWAUKEE (AP) — A Rhode Island man vacationing in Milwaukee fell to his loss of life after a drawbridge was raised whereas he was strolling throughout it.

Richard Dujardin, 77, of Windfall, Rhode Island, was crossing the Kilbourn Avenue Bridge in downtown Milwaukee on Monday afternoon together with his spouse, in response to a Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Workplace report.

Rosemarie Dujardin made it throughout the bridge, which spans the Milwaukee River, however her husband was about midway throughout when it started to open. He grabbed onto a facet rail because the bridge sections rose to a 90-degree angle, however he misplaced his grip and fell about 70 ft (21 meters) to the pavement under, the report states.

He suffered a head wound and was pronounced lifeless on the scene, investigators mentioned.

The bridge is managed by the town’s Division of Public Works and its two halves are raised and lowered for boat site visitors by somebody working remotely who has two digital camera views of the span. The lights and bells have been operational as the 2 sections have been raised and crossing arms got here down at every finish of the bridge, in response to investigators.

Rosemarie Dujardin advised investigators that her husband was onerous of listening to and wore glasses. The medical expert’s report mentioned he was taking a look at an iPad whereas strolling.

Police mentioned in a press release that there isn’t a suspicion of a legal act, however that the investigation continues. Interim Public Works Commissioner Jerrel Kruschke mentioned the worker who operated the bridge is in his fourth 12 months and has performed lots of of bridge openings. He mentioned the worker has been placed on go away and provided counseling.

The division mentioned in a press release that about half of the town’s 20 bridges are operated remotely, calling it “a secure and customary business apply.”

Copyright 2022 The Related Press. All rights reserved. This materials is probably not printed, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed with out permission.