Article author:
Associated Press
Milwaukee (AP) — A Rhode Island man vacationing in Milwaukee has died after the drawbridge was lifted while he was walking on it.
Richard Dujardin, 77, from Providence, Rhode Island, died Monday afternoon in his Kilbourne neighborhood in downtown Milwaukee, according to a report from the Milwaukee County Coroner's Office. was crossing the Avenue Bridge.
Rosemary Dujardin crossed the bridge over the Milwaukee River, but her husband was halfway across when the bridge began to open. As the bridge section rose to his 90-degree angle, he held on to the side rail, but lost his grip and tumbled about 70 feet (21 m) onto the pavement below.
He suffered head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, investigators said.
The bridge is managed by the city's Department of Public Works, and his two halves of the bridge were taken from a boat by someone working remotely who has his two camera views of the span. Raised and lowered for passage.
Investigators said the lights and bells were working as two sections were raised and the cross arms were lowered at both ends of the bridge.
Rosemarie Dujardin told investigators that her husband was deaf and wore glasses. The coroner's report said he was looking at his iPad while walking.
Police said in a statement that they had no suspicion of criminal activity but that the investigation was ongoing. Authorities did not release the name of the person who was operating the bridge when Dujardin was crossing it.
