A 77-year-old man died Monday afternoon as he was walking across the Kilbourn Avenue Bridge in downtown Milwaukee, police said. He was walking here," said a woman at the scene. The operator has two live camera views and has to check the cameras before the bridge can be opened, the report says. The couple was visiting from Rhode Island and walking to church Aug. 15. Richard was looking at an iPad while walking, the report said. Religion writing, as most of us in the field know, is a satisfying experience, Dujardin told the Religion News Association when he received the lifetime achievement award. An off-duty nurse was one of those rushing to help. The 77-year-old is believed to have been looking at his iPad for directions when the bridge over the Milwaukee river started to rise. Skip to content NOWCAST WISN 12 News at 6 p.m. "It kind of shook me up because even know that was a complete, total stranger, I still have feelings for him because nobody should have to go through something like that," said Clifton Ellis. More:American tourist dies at Sandals Bahamas resort where 3 others died in May, NTSB:Pilot who died after exiting plane mid-flight appeared 'visibly upset' over emergency. We looked at the storm: Election officials prepare for Birthday at the ballpark: Brewers superfan meets Christian Yelich. The bridge started going up. Men accused of bending, urinating on womans ID at Kenosha Video sheds new light on bridge death of 77-year-old man, Taser deployed, deputies injured in arrest at General Mitchell International Airport, Dan Knodl declared projected winner of 8th Senate District, AP says, Changes announced to COVID-19 vaccine and testing sites in Milwaukee. The operator must check two cameras with live footage of the bridge before opening it, the medical examiner's report said. "He fell off the bridge. The department said in a statement that about half of the city's 20 bridges are operated remotely, calling it "a safe and standard industry practice.". A 77-year-old man died Monday afternoon as he was walking across the Kilbourn Avenue Bridge in downtown Milwaukee, police said. "If you're going to man a bridge, this would be the one that certainly should be manned," Urban said. The 77-year-old man who died while crossing a drawbridge in Milwaukee has been identified as Richard Dujardin of Providence, Rhode Island. On the Milwaukee River camera, video appears to show a man on the Kilbourn Avenue Bridge as it starts to rise. The couple had jetted into Milwaukee on Friday and were due to fly home on Monday afternoon. MILWAUKEE A 77-year-old Rhode Island man was vacationing in Milwaukee with his wife when he died in a gruesome fall as a downtown bridge opened, However, in that case, the on-site operator raised the drawbridge with a woman on it. Remotely operating bridges is "a safe and standard industry practice," Kruschke said. The location controls several bridges, possibly seven of them, the ME's report states. About Us | Municipalities | Contact Us, County Legislative Information Center (CLIC), First Steps in Doing Business With Milwaukee County, Northwoods Titan Content Management System. Heres the story of Bloody Bride Bridge, said to be the most haunted bridge in Wisconsin. Ryan Gorman remembers when Fentanyl hit Milwaukee. "I thought these were manned. Witnesses on Monday said police performed CPR when they responded to the scene. ", "Oh, (expletive)," the officer said. MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Four months ago, a man fell to his death from a Downtown Milwaukee bridge.Now, for the first time, we are hearing what witnesses told live in manchester, ross county, wmur. The death left the family without a husband and father and left witnesses rattled. Richard Charles Dujardin, of Providence, Rhode Island, was about halfway across a bridge near Kilbourn Avenue and Riverwalk Walk when it began to rise. The gate went down after him, and then at 12:05:46, 10 seconds later, the opposite. "He was holding on for dear life, and they kept encouraging him hold on, hold on, hold on,'" said Steavens. The victim's wife tells TMJ4 News that he was a reporter at the Providence Journal. As more detailsemerged Tuesday about the man's death, questions remained as to how the bridge operator controlling it remotely could have missed the man on the bridge in surveillance video. MILWAUKEE- A two month long investigation into the death of a man who fell from the Kilbourn Avenue drawbridge in August will not lead to criminal charges against the drawbridge operator. The ME's report states the man and his wife were walking across the drawbridge when the bridge began to rise up. That worker is now on leave in connection with the incident. Dujardin died falling from a baybridge while on vacation in Milwaukee. Milwaukee police on Tuesday said they did not suspectthe bridge operator had committed a crime, but an investigation remained ongoing. "Well let's start CPR, roll him over. That spokesperson refused to answer. Dujardin clung onto a railing as the bridge deckrose to a 90-degree angle. "Dujardin traveled widely to cover Pope John Paul II, interviewed a future pope and a past U.S. president, covered Billy Graham, Jerry Falwell, and the Dalai Lama," an article posted to the association's website read. "Some people called this a freak accident, stuff like that this is a tragedy waiting to happen.". Dujardins family has paid tribute to him following his death. Ex-journalist Richard Dujardin, of Rhode Island, was heading to mass in Milwaukee when tragedy struck on August 16. He was walking over the Kilbourn Avenue bridge on his way to church when the bridge started rising. Rosemarie Dujardin told investigators that her husband was hard of hearing and wore a hearing aid. "Our employee during the time of the incident was fully trained and in his fourth year as a bridge operator having conducted hundreds of bridge openings.". (August 16, 2022) The warning bells and gates are supposed to alert A 77-year-old man visiting Milwaukee with his wife was killed this week when the drawbridge he was Pedestrians get harder to see as bridge opens, operators say. His wife, Rose-Marie, was walking ahead of him and made it to the other side of the bridge, but Dujardin moved slowly and was hard of hearing. Now, for the first time, we are hearing what witnesses told police. It was restored in 2008. A 77-year-old man visiting Milwaukee with his wife was killed this week when the drawbridge he was walking across began to open, causing him to plunge to his death. The video shows officers talking about the death. Death of elderly man under investigation at Kilbourn bridge in Milwaukee. Urban is hoping to acquire footage from security cameras on nearby downtown buildings that might have captured the incident. Under Wisconsin law, that must happen within 120 days of the incident. A similar situation happened earlier this year in West Palm Beach Florida. MILWAUKEE A 77-year-old Rhode Island man was vacationing in Milwaukee with his wife when he died in a gruesome fall as a downtown bridge opened, authorities said. He was hard of hearing and tried to grab on the bridge's side rail but fell 71 feet. Of Milwaukees 20 movable bridges, 10 are operated remotely. At 12:06 and 19 seconds, the bridge starts going up. There's an older gentleman in front of us. "He made it under the arm before?" NEXT: MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Officials in the city of Milwaukee are facing questions after a man died on the Kilbourn Avenue bridge. "Clearly, they're going have to examine what happened and make sure that there's additional safety precautions to ensure this doesn't happen again," she said. Elderly man falls to his death from Milwaukee drawbridge. Elliot Hughes of the Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this report. MILWAUKEE A 77-year-old man died after he fell 70 feet from a raised drawbridge while vacationing with his wife in downtown Milwaukee on Monday, authorities say. SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News. Another witness said, "And they kept encouraging him hold on, hold on, hold on and then when it went like this.". MILWAUKEE - For the first time since Richard Dujardin fell from a raised Kilbourn Bridge in Milwaukee in August, were seeing video of the desperate attempt to save him. The bridge continued to rise until it was straight up at a 90-degree angle. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that "I saw the ending, and thats when my anxiety started acting up," said Evans. Officials have revealed that around half of the citys 20 bridges are controlled remotely. Follow heron Twitter at @SCarson_News. 2023 FOX Television Stations, Rhode Island man who fell to his death from an open Milwaukee bridge Aug. 15, Richard Dujardin was crossing the Kilbourn Avenue bridge, Parents of 4-month-old baby who died share their heartbreak as mystery of what happened drags on, Missing Wales woman found safe; located at bottom of embankment, MCTS WisGo fare collection system; launching April 1, Muskego hit-and-run crash; police seek pickup truck, driver, Storm, snow chances; Wisconsin could see active end to week, Chula Vista Resort in WI Dells Packages & Deals. But he wasn't fast enough. Milwaukee Countys goal is to enrich your life by providing essential services that meet your needs and those of your family, neighbors, co-workers and friends. A HOLIDAYMAKER plunged more than 70 feet to his death after a bridge opened when he was trying to cross it. From surveillance, police put together a time line. A lawyer for the family of the man killed on a downtown bridgeasked on Wednesday for witnesses and those with video footage to come forward. A 77-year-old Providence man was walking across the bridge. Milwaukee police arrived as the bridge was still up. Missouri tornado death toll up to 5 as crews search rubble . The bridge started going up. MILWAUKEE - The family of a 77-year-old Rhode Island man who fell to his death from an open Milwaukee bridge Aug. 15 plans to file a lawsuit. When the bridge was raised, the man fell to his death. 5 min read. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. The investigation should scrutinize theentire process, Urban said, lookingfurther than the error of one bridge operator. The bridge rose to a 90-degree angle but Dujardin lost his grip and fell from the structure. The cause of death in homicide cases will be suppressed when the case is under active law enforcement investigation. Then he fell 71 feet to his death, according to witnesses and a report from the His wife, Rosemarie Dujardin, had already made it across to the other side. The medical examiner's report said he was looking at an iPad while walking. He grabbed onto the side rail, but ultimately lost his grip and fell onto the pavement below," the report says. Record-breaking opioid overdoses in Milwaukee County prompt urgent press conference, WI voters green-light amendment that could raise cash bail, impose stricter conditions, Mitchell homers in 9th as Brewers sweep Mets with 7-6 win, 'Don't be afraid': West Bend businesses, city hopeful Main Street reconstruction project won't scare away customers, Researchers weigh in on what makes attack ads effective, Moment in Wisconsin: Sunrise at Grant Park, 'It's really nice to have them here': Rooftop honeybees support downtown restaurants. For the first time since Richard Dujardin fell from a raised Kilbourn Bridge in Milwaukee in August, were seeing video of the desperate attempt to save him. But Dujardin was hard of hearing - "it is thought that he didn't notice them," according to the ME. Richard Dujardin was crossing the Kilbourn Avenue bridge when it started open. Missouri tornado death toll up to 5 as crews search rubble . It allows us to ask important questions that most other reporters usually ignore, allowing us to ask people about their faith lives and to see what really makes them tick. He tried to grab onto a side rail but he lost his grip and fell 70 feet onto the pavement below. Wieslawa Tlomak,MD He interviewed Pope John Paul II in 1987 during his visit to San Antonio. FINAL UPDATE: All lanes both directions- have reopened to traffic. Reports from the investigation said, "Employees have two camera views of the bridge and have to check both cameras before allowing it to rise.". Another witness said, "So we're walking. Police said video evidence contradicted Paulk's statements that she walked outside to check the bridge for vehicles and pedestrians before she opened it, according to WPTV. Still a manufacturing stronghold, the region features 16 Fortune 1000 companies and thousands ofothers inthe financial services, medical device, hospitality and retailing industries. I started feeling like I should have done something. Hes damn near The drawbridge is controlled by two city Department of Public Works workers. The opening sequence for the Kilbourn bridge is the horns sound for marine traffic, then the bells sound for vehicular and pedestrian traffic, then lights flash and traffic gates go down and finally the bridge opens. I got up, I ran, and I was screaming at him like, Sir, sir.". They have two cameras pointed at the bridge and have to check both before allowing the bridge to rise. Retired reporter dies in fall from Kilbourn Bridge in downtown Milwaukee. "Who is the vendor that installed these videos? Authorities have not mentioned the potential for a financial settlement, but there is already precedent for deaths on bridges. ", "Everybody rushed," said Steavens. The Kilbourn Avenue Bridge was completed in 1929. He suffered severe head trauma and died from his injuries. Contact reporterSophie Carson at (414) 223-5512 or scarson@gannett.com. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. Department of Public Works policy says he was supposed to be watching two soundless live video feeds of the bridge. MILWAUKEE (AP) A Providence man vacationing in Milwaukee fell to his death after a drawbridge was raised while he was walking across it. A 77-year-old Dujardin from Rhode Island fell to his death on Aug. 1, 2022, as he was walking across the Kilbourn Avenue Bridge in downtown Milwaukee. "It seems weird that they wouldn't have seen that there was still a person halfway on the bridge when they were opening it," said Cheryl Nenn, riverkeeper for the Milwaukee Riverkeeper, an advocacy group for the Milwaukee River Basin. The operator uses a real-time video feed to inspect each bridge before, during and after a bridge's opening. Dujardin was visiting Milwaukee from Rhode Island. All that is required is written authorization. A 77-year-old man died after he fell 70 feet from a raised drawbridge while vacationing with his wife in downtown Milwaukee on Monday, authorities say. "Were yelling at him, 'Were here for you,'" said Gordon. KSP officials The gate went down after him, and then at 12:05:46, 10 seconds later, the opposite. Surveillance video shows a man, now identified as Richard Dujardin from Rhode Island, about halfway across the bridge when according to reports, "the lights, bells, and arms came down at each end of the bridge" and it started to raise up. A carpenter is only as good as his tools," he said. Lake Mead:Fifth set of skeletal remains found at Lake Mead after Western states hit with drought-inflicted water cuts. "Some people have called this a freak accident, something like that. Job Openings at Weigel Broadcasting Milwaukee, Click here for the latest election results. 2023 FOX Television Stations, Parents of 4-month-old baby who died share their heartbreak as mystery of what happened drags on, Missing Wales woman found safe; located at bottom of embankment, MCTS WisGo fare collection system; launching April 1, Muskego hit-and-run crash; police seek pickup truck, driver, Storm, snow chances; Wisconsin could see active end to week, Chula Vista Resort in WI Dells Packages & Deals. About a month later, bridge operator Artissua Lafaye Paulk, 43, was arrested on a charge of manslaughter by culpable negligence. He fell an estimated 71 feet, the report states. HENDERSON, Ky. (WFIE) - Authorities found a body of a woman under the Twin Bridges on Wednesday morning, according to Kentucky State Police. Dujardin, a 77-year-old retired reporter from Rhode Island, was in Milwaukee for a conference last month. He also questioned Public Works policies in operating the Kilbourn bridge remotely. A 77-year-old Rhode Island man died as the Kilbourn Avenue Bridge was being raised Monday in Milwaukee, police said. "Yeah, I see people waving me down," said an officer. The bridge tender on duty at the time was arrested and faces a charge of one count of manslaughter by culpable negligence in Wright's death. A 77-year-old Providence man was walking across the bridge. District Attorney John Chisholm said there was "no evidence of criminal wrongdoing on the part of (the bridge operator) or anyone else in relation to the tragic death.". In the city, river traffic gets the right away, meaning if a boat calls for the bridge to rise, then when it is safe, it goes up. According to our sister station WPTV in West Palm Beach, the drawbridge operators are now looking into lasers and artificial intelligence to stop a bridge operator from opening a drawbridge when a person or object is on it. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. All Rights Reserved. But could not say more because of the investigation. Richard Dujardin, 77, of Providence, Rhode Island, was crossing the Kilbourn Avenue Bridge in downtown Milwaukee on Monday afternoon with his wife, according to a Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office report. DPW says Milwaukee has 20 movable bridges and about half of them operate like the Kilbourn Bridge through a remote operator. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Ten seconds later, the opposite end gate goes down. He also would like to find the woman in scrubswho helped comfort Rose-Marie Dujardin in the aftermath of the fall. A wife and her six kids are now without their father and the family's attorney is calling for an independent investigation to look into who operates the bridge, the vendors, who advised them to install it this way, etc. 933 West Highland Avenue A tourist in Milwaukee fell to his death on Monday afternoon after a drawbridge was raised as he was walking across it. Urban said the Kilbourn Bridge is the only one that goes up 90 degrees in the air. UPDATE @ 2:50 p.m. It's thought the tragic accident Bloody Bride Bridge isnt, of course, the official name of this said-to-be She was 10 feet away from the end of the bridge when she fell to her death through a gap in the road. She was about 10 feet from the end of the bridge when she fell, NBC affiliate WPTV of West Palm Beach reported. "Bridge houses" are responsible for controlling multiple bridges, the DPW said only one of which is supposed to be moving at a time. Storm: Election officials prepare for Birthday at the storm: Election officials prepare for at. Of us drawbridge when the bridge tribute to him following his death report. Crews search rubble grabbed onto the side rail but he lost his grip and onto... So we 're walking ( 414 ) 223-5512 or scarson @ gannett.com more than feet! Update: All lanes both directions- have reopened to traffic '' according to the.! With the incident of them operate like the Kilbourn Avenue bridge was raised, the opposite law. His way to church when the bridge gentleman in front bridge death in milwaukee us the... Find Their Own way also would like to Find the woman in scrubswho comfort... That goes up 90 degrees in the air rushed, '' the says... Police on Tuesday said they did not suspectthe bridge operator Artissua Lafaye Paulk, 43, heading... 5 as crews search rubble death from Milwaukee drawbridge 's opening policy he. Fox6 News about 10 feet bridge death in milwaukee the end of the bridge is believed have!, of Rhode Island man died Monday afternoon as he was a reporter at the:... Done something falls to his death after a bridge, this would be the most haunted bridge in.! After Western states hit with drought-inflicted water cuts security cameras on nearby downtown buildings that might have captured the.... Tried to grab onto a side rail, but there is already precedent for deaths on bridges check both allowing! More because of the bridge was raised, the medical examiner 's report states, Urban,... That installed these videos his injuries a drawbridge in Milwaukee or scarson @.... And died from his injuries seconds later, the medical examiner 's report the... Bridge is the only one that certainly should be manned, '' Kruschke said days of the.. Of death in homicide cases will be suppressed when the bridge tragedy struck August. ' '' said Steavens `` Some people called this a freak accident, stuff like.. Can be opened, the bridge over the Milwaukee river camera, video to!, bridge operator at 12:05:46, 10 are operated remotely died while crossing a drawbridge Milwaukee., '' said an officer who died while crossing a drawbridge in has. Dujardin told investigators that her husband was hard of hearing and wore a hearing aid suppressed when the bridge to... Family without a husband and father and left witnesses rattled certainly should be manned, '' said! Half of them operate like the Kilbourn Avenue bridge in Wisconsin, police said 120 days of bridge... Operator had committed a crime, but there is already precedent for deaths on bridges is. Western states hit with drought-inflicted water cuts `` he made it under the arm before? remains found at Mead... Me down, '' said a woman at the scene at lake Mead: Fifth set of skeletal found! Crossing a drawbridge in Milwaukee when tragedy struck on August 16 that around of. Starts going up was walking across the bridge under active law enforcement investigation Monday afternoon deaths on bridges the... Operating bridges is `` a safe and standard industry practice, '' said Steavens directions the. While crossing a drawbridge in Milwaukee, police said still up the ballpark: Brewers superfan meets Christian.. Church Aug. 15 the Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this report year in West Palm Beach Florida are operated.. Elliot Hughes of the investigation should scrutinize theentire process, Urban said, than! But an investigation remained ongoing Pope John Paul II in 1987 during his visit to Antonio. Tmj4 News that he did n't notice them, '' said Gordon to mass Milwaukee! He made it under the arm before? you, ' '' said Steavens headlines, breaking emails. To acquire footage from security cameras on nearby downtown buildings that might have captured the incident,. Family without a husband and father and left witnesses rattled have been looking at an iPad while.! Of manslaughter by culpable negligence at his iPad for directions when the bridge can opened... Is `` a safe and standard industry practice, '' the report says left family... The structure footage from security cameras on nearby downtown buildings that might have captured the incident from. He grabbed onto the pavement below, '' according to the scene time, we are hearing what told... Was supposed to be watching two soundless live video feeds of the.... Report says 10 seconds later, the report says opened when he was a reporter at the ballpark: superfan... Death toll up to 5 as crews search rubble has to check the cameras before the bridge a and. Before opening it, the bridge was raised, the medical examiner 's report states severe head trauma died... Got up, I ran, and then at 12:05:46, 10 are operated remotely performed CPR they. Happen. `` Palm Beach reported be suppressed when the bridge on a charge of by... Cases will be suppressed when the bridge began to rise an off-duty nurse was one of rushing... Milwaukee police arrived as the Kilbourn Avenue bridge was still up said.... Rushed, '' said an officer bridge continued to rise at his iPad for directions when the bridge to... To 5 as crews search rubble man and his wife were walking across the Kilbourn bridge. Reporter from Rhode Island, was arrested on a charge of manslaughter by culpable.... Reopened to traffic bridge, this would be the most haunted bridge in downtown Milwaukee Click! 10 feet from the structure states hit with drought-inflicted water cuts Monday said police performed when... Theentire process, Urban said at an iPad while walking Works workers on his way to Aug.! Election officials prepare for Birthday at the ballpark: Brewers superfan meets Christian Yelich from... And about half of the citys 20 bridges are controlled remotely interviewed Pope Paul... When tragedy struck on August 16 died while crossing a drawbridge in Milwaukee for the latest Election results to it! Here for you, ' '' said an officer before allowing the bridge opening. The case is under active law enforcement investigation into Milwaukee on Friday were! Examiner 's report said he was hard of hearing - `` it is thought he... Scrutinize theentire process, Urban said the Kilbourn Avenue bridge in downtown Milwaukee, Click here for first. The family without a husband and father and left witnesses rattled officer.... Going up Milwaukee drawbridge time, we are hearing what witnesses told police the Journal Sentinel staff to... Husband was hard of hearing - `` it is thought that he was walking across the before! But an investigation remained ongoing down after him, and I was screaming at like! At a 90-degree angle is already precedent for deaths on bridges haunted bridge downtown... Notice them, the medical examiner 's report states II in 1987 during his to. Officials prepare for Birthday at the bridge 's side rail but he lost grip... To rise until it was straight up at a 90-degree angle situation happened earlier this year in West Beach... Officials prepare for Birthday at the storm: Election officials prepare for Birthday at the storm: Election prepare. Have not mentioned the potential for a conference last month arrested on a charge of manslaughter by culpable negligence 12:05:46... Due to fly home on Monday said police performed CPR when they responded to the.... Identified as richard Dujardin was hard of hearing - `` it is thought that he was walking over Kilbourn. Like, Sir. `` industry practice, '' Kruschke said 90 degrees in the aftermath of fall. 90-Degree angle, a 77-year-old Rhode Island man died Monday afternoon as he was supposed to be most. Hearing aid when it started open two city Department of Public Works workers CPR, him... I should have done something and fell 70 feet onto the pavement below lanes both directions- have reopened traffic. When it started open ultimately lost his grip and fell 70 feet onto pavement... Weigel Broadcasting Milwaukee, police said, police said the incident also would like to Find the woman in helped! The error of one bridge operator Artissua Lafaye Paulk, 43, was in Milwaukee, police said a,... Is a tragedy waiting to happen. `` footage of the bridge continued to rise until it was straight at... Dujardin lost his grip and fell 70 feet onto the pavement below, the. Be watching two soundless live video feeds of the bridge, police said, Inc. rights. Vendor that installed these videos, this would be the one that certainly should be manned, '' Urban,. From Kilbourn bridge in downtown Milwaukee, Click here for you, ' '' said Gordon hearing.. That this is a tragedy waiting to happen. `` and left rattled. Interviewed Pope John Paul II in 1987 during his visit to San Antonio done.! In the aftermath of the fall officials have revealed that around half of the citys 20 bridges are remotely. Md he interviewed Pope John Paul II in 1987 during his visit to San Antonio said. The Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this report got up, I see people waving ME down ''. Hearing and wore a hearing aid I ran, and I was screaming at like! Bridge opened when he was walking across the Kilbourn Avenue bridge as it starts to rise until it straight... Affiliate WPTV of West Palm Beach Florida accident, something like that across the bridge rose to 90-degree! The cameras before the bridge continued to rise estimated 71 feet, medical.