Dujardins son Peter told WISN12: The biggest question is if anyone is responsible for this?. Hes damn near the top. The foremost question that remains is if there is anything wrong with how Milwaukee operates their bridges and if so, how the city could make sure it never happens again. (WISN) MILWAUKEE (WLNE) A Providence man died after falling off of . The Milwaukee man, who has worked downtown for 25 years, asked to not be named in this storybecause he does not want to draw attention to himself. Ten of the bridges are controlled by a solo operator at a remote location. "How do you not notice an old man on the (expletive) bridge?" He says Richard Dujardin, a 77-year-old retired reporter from Rhode Island, landed just a foot from him after losing his grip on the bridge railing and fallingto his death. The 13-year-old's death comes just a few days after another NYC teen jumped from the roof of her nine-story apartment building in the Upper East Side.. He noted there are no signs posted at the Kilbourn bridge entrances to notify people that it's a drawbridge. The pair loved coming to Milwaukee. From surveillance, police put together a time line. THE BRIDGE THEN SLOWLY OPENS, COMING TO A FULL VERTICAL. All content Copyright 2023 WDJT. She's noticed that sometimes pedestrians start to cross when the bridge looks like it's down, but bridge operators need to do some final jostling. More details on these changes can be found below. Ex-journalist Richard Dujardin, of Rhode Island, was heading to mass in Milwaukee when tragedy struck on August 16. The coworkers werent on the bridge yet. The Milwaukee County. Recognition Eligible for the National Register of Historic Places Approximate latitude, longitude +43.04181, -87.91245 (decimal degrees) Authorities say they were crossing the bridge when it began to rise. The bridge operator is now on leave from the Department of Public Works, and police say the investigation into any wrongdoing is ongoing. Richard. All rights reserved. The man also pushes back against the perception that Dujardin distractedly wandered onto the bridge and wasnt aware of his surroundings. Jay Urban, attorney for the victim's family, did not get back to FOX6 News on Monday, Dec. 19. Find the perfect place to live. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. The Zilwaukee Bridge is a high-level, segmental concrete bridge spanning the Saginaw River in the U.S. state of Michigan. "And I'm like sir, come back and he didn't. Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. He won the association's lifetime achievement award in 2015 and served as its president in the 1990s. He helped lead an effort to light Milwaukee's Daniel Hoan bridge. "Theres an older gentleman in front of us, and all of a sudden, he goes because thats not down yet, but as he walks past it, then beep, beep, beep, it comes down, and Im like, Wait, hes not going to keep going, is he? Even though its not coming up yet. Rabbi Les Gutterman said: He (Dujardin) interviewed people of many faiths and no faiths with respect.. "Saw him fall. "I started getting worried. FOX6 News received a statement from the DPW. "It's irrelevant what he was doing," the man said. Milwaukee firefighters arrived and tried to help, but it was too late. The MCME estimates that he fell from. Dujardin grabbed onto a side rail as the bridge sections rose to a 90-degree angle, but he lost his grip and fell about 70 feet to the pavement below, the report states. By this time, there's a large gathering of people out there, and we're all screaming, the man said. The Milwaukee Department of Public Works told WISN 12 News the bridge is controlled by a bridge operator located in the Water Street bridge house who uses video to monitor that remotely operated lift bridge. No criminal charges have been filed. His wife told investigators that her husband was a slow walker and wore a hearing aid. 3 Richard Dujardin, 77, died when trying to cross a bridge Credit: Courtesy of Peter Dujardin 3 As they approached the Kilbourn bridge from the west, they saw an older man walking ahead of them in a dark suit. Paramedics also used a defibrillator to try to revive him. Just after noon Monday, Richard Charles Dujardin, a former religion reporter who lived inProvidence, Rhode Island, was crossing the Kilbourn Avenue Bridge over the Milwaukee River with his wife,Rose-Marie, according to a report from the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office. FOX6 is learning more about a father of six and husband who died on Monday, Aug. 15 at the Kilbourn Avenue bridge in downtown Milwaukee. My condolences go out to the man, his wife, his family back in Rhode Island. U.S. News Milwaukee accident Man Dies After Drawbridge Opened As He Was Crossing It The 77-year-old father of six clung to the Milwaukee bridge's side rail before falling 71 feet. He interviewed Pope John Paul II in 1987 during his visit to San Antonio. They were supposed to fly home Monday, the report said. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Islands of Oceania 7-to-1. 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. "Avery, a paramedic, said, 'Nah, hes gone,'" said John Kowalski, Milwaukee firefighter. Located in Zilwaukee, in Saginaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan, the Zilwaukee Bridge is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world. Ex-journalist Richard Dujardin, of Rhode Island, was heading to mass in Milwaukee when tragedy struck on August 16. "I think the family is owed that at a minimum. The lights and bells were operational as the two sections were raised and crossing arms came down at each end of the bridge, according to investigators. There's no way you shouldve missed him whether he was in a blue suit, pink suit or black suit, the man said. Of these, four bridge houses are 24/7," DPW said. It said: "As a result of the thorough investigation and review of all the available material, Con-Drain Company (1983) Ltd has been charged with six counts of criminal negligence causing death, contrary to section 220 (b) of the Criminal Code of Canada.". Cops and medics rushed to the scene following the horror fall but couldnt save Dujardin. "He had zest for life, he was very youthful," said Jean-Paul Dujardin, Richard's son. Dujardin lost his grip and fell to the concrete sidewalk below. DPW provided an update regarding its bridges following Monday's incident. more, a 77-year-old retired reporter from Rhode Island, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. This was all he could do, now. MILWAUKEE - For the first time since Richard Dujardin fell from a raised Kilbourn Bridge in Milwaukee in August, we're seeing video of the desperate attempt to save him. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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.. A Milwaukee bridge operator was placed on leave Tuesday pending an investigation after he opened a drawbridge while a man was walking across, sending him falling to his death. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Sir, come back! I said that numerous times at the top of my lungs.. He began working at the Providence Journal after graduation in 1966 before joining the U.S. "Staffing-wise the schedule is to have five bridge houses manned at least 16 hours a day, seven days a week. supports HTML5 video. ", The victim: Richard Dujardin of Providence, Rhode Island. 10. Now, for the first time, we are hearing what witnesses told police. A 77-year-old man died Monday afternoon as he was walking across the Kilbourn Avenue Bridge in downtown Milwaukee, police said. 77-year-old man falls to death after Milwaukee bridge he was walking on opens Sophie Carson Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 0:00 1:01 MILWAUKEE A 77-year-old Rhode Island man was vacationing. Follow Elliot Hughes at on Twitter:@elliothughes12. Dujardin suffered head trauma and died from his injuries at the scene, the medical examiner said. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Retired reporter dies in fall from Kilbourn Bridge in downtown Milwaukee, Procedures that should be in place to prevent deaths on Milwaukee drawbridges. Let us remember the courage it took to walk across The Edmund Pettis Bridge knowing that you . The road was closed for a time as police investigated the scene, but it was reopened by 4 p.m. A Man Jumps Off Bridge in Milwaukee. The man fell to his death. Police interviewed. The Daniel Hoan Memorial Bridge is a tied-arch bridge that connects Interstate 794 in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to the Lake Freeway across the Milwaukee River inlet. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. Now, for the first time, we are hearing what witnesses told police. Richard Dujardin hung onto the railing for one or two minutes before losing his grip and falling to the pavement below, the medical examiner's report says. 2023 FOX Television Stations, from WED 7:00 PM CST until THU 9:00 AM CST, Jefferson County, from WED 9:00 PM CST until THU 12:00 PM CST, Dodge County, Fond Du Lac County, Ozaukee County, Sheboygan County, Washington County, Join FOX, support Red Cross Ukraine relief efforts, Sherman and Villard fatal crash, speeding driver arrested, Cedarburg backyard black bear sighting investigated by police, NUTmobile drivers wanted: Planters opens positions for the nuttiest job in the world, Waukesha police chief's gun in Milwaukee airport carry-on leads to fine, Harley-Davidson 120th: Foo Fighters, Green Day headline homecoming fest. The bridge rose to a 90-degree angle. Share; Report; Skip Photos. DPW said Wednesday that a bridge house is responsible for multiple bridges but only one bridge should be moving at a time. Reportedly, when the bridge began to rise Dujardin grabbed onto the side handrail. His face was flush against the bridge deck, so he likely couldnt see much, and he never cried out in distress. The bridge was up as they tried to revive theman, landscaper Jos Galban said. REPORTER: THEY HAVENT SAID, BUT MILWAUKEE POLICE ARE STI. Despite decades of safe bridge openings, the alderman says Richard's horrific death warrants a review at the department of public works. The Dujardins were in Milwaukee on vacation and were staying at a hotel downtown. "He is currently on leave following this incident and was connected with the Citys Employee Assistance Program for counseling," Kruschke said in a statement. She also said that he was looking at his iPad when he was killed. A Wisconsin drawbridge opened when a 77-year-old man was crossing. Richard was an award-winning reporter for 47 years at The Providence Journal in Rhode Island, mainly covering religion. On Monday, August 15, A 77-year-old man, Richard Dujardin, fell to his death after crossing the Kilbourn Avenue Drawbridge in Milwaukee, WI. It's clear, seeing Dujardin fall some 70 feet to his death left a number of witnesses visibly shaken. Dujardins family has paid tribute to him following his death. MILWAUKEE POLICE SAY HE WAS WALKING OVER THE BRIDGE AS IT BEGAN TO OPEN. "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. Dujardin probably hung on for about a minute, the man estimates. "Theres an older gentleman," said a witness. Mildest January on record sends Milwaukeeans outdoors. He held on as the bridge deck rose to a 90-degree anglebut eventually lost his grip and fell 71 feet to the concrete street behind him, the report said. Milwaukee bridge death; attorney for victim speaks | FOX6 News Milwaukee - YouTube The family of a 77-year-old Rhode Island man who fell to his death from an open Milwaukee bridge. I'm screaming, hang on, helps on the way, because I knew everyone behind me had called 911.. MILWAUKEE A 77-year-old man died Monday afternoon as he was walking across the Kilbourn Avenue Bridge in downtown Milwaukee, police said. He is currently on leave following this incident and connected with the Citys Employee Assistance Program for counseling. Hes not sure if Dujardin ever heard any of it. His mind was on the victim and the family he leaves behind. WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. From his spot inside the barricade, the man was yelling nonstop and waving his arms wildly in hopes of getting Dujardins attention. About seven drawbridges, including the one Dujardin was on, are operated remotely. Dujardin not only covered the local faith communities, but also international events, such as the installations of three popes in Rome, according to the Journal. I look every day. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that He tried to grab on the side rail. "Even through this tragedy, everybody has been so caring and generous with us," Philip Dujardin said. The operator must check two cameras with live footage of the bridge before opening it, the medical examiner's report said. Police told WISN 12 News the bridge over the. He paced in circles, holding his head in his hands. Contributions to this story also made by: All content Copyright 2023 WDJT. Naval Reserve as an officer for three years. A report from the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's office stated Rose-Marie made it to the end but Richard was about halfway through when it began to rise. Milwaukee police arrived as the bridge was still up. You think about the free-falling,and holding on for dear life.. According to the medical examiner's report, Dujardin and his wife, Rosemarie, were walking eastbound across the drawbridge on Kilbourn Avenue at RiverPark Way. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal. "He was already on the platform going up the bridge" when the gates went down, he said. The man was walking across the bridge when it began to raise, police said.. He is currently on leave following this incident and connected with the Citys Employee Assistance Program for counseling.Rosemarie Dujardin told the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office they had been in town since Friday. SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News. He pulled the mans iPad from the edge of the bridge and handed it to his distraught wife. multiple operators are not overseeing the same bridge.". Dujardin's children say their father's stories, memories, and faith will never fade. A medical examiners report said: When [the bridge] started to rise [Dujardin] panicked and grabbed onto the side rail. FOX6 News reached out to the Milwaukee Police Department. The man expected Dujardin to just turn around and head back toward them. In fact, throughout the whole ordeal, Dujardin never turned to face him a fact he couldnt understand until he saw news reports afterward that Dujardin was hard of hearing. "I saw him walking. Jerrel Kruschke, interim commissioner of public works, said the operator "was fully trained and in his fourth year as a bridge operator having conducted hundreds of bridge openings.". Dan Steininger is the grandson of former Milwaukee Mayor Dan Hoan. Ten seconds later, the opposite end gate goes down. Remotely operating bridges is "a safe and standard industry practice," Kruschke said. Share; Report; Wood-Haven Bridges 8555 W Waterford Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53228 . He returned to the paper and in 1977 became the religion reporter. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! I've never heard of a pedestrian-related incident where someone was on a bridge when it was opening," Ald. Suddenly, the warnings began that the bridge would soon open: bells sounded,lights flashed and the gates covering the street and sidewalk lowered. He was walking here," said a woman at the scene. His family says he was trying to walk across the bridge to visit a church. or redistributed. The victim was identified as Richard Dujardin, a retired newspaper reporter from Rhode Island who was in Milwaukee on vacation with his wife. Because their father's life mattered," he said. Peter ended his post quoting a phrase his dad would often say to his six kids, reflecting how faith remained at the center of his life: "Stay close to God. GENE HOGLAN And STEVE DIGIORGIO: March/April 2023 North American Tour Announced January 18, 2023. There is hope! 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