ONEIDA COUNTY, Wis. — A 73-year-old man from Hazelhurst has died following a tragic accident involving a vehicle on the frozen Willow Flowage during severe winter weather. Authorities say the incident happened Tuesday amid whiteout conditions and heavy snowfall, turning what began as an effort to help into a heartbreaking loss.
According to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, deputies received a report that Randall Bernau had been struck by a truck while out on the ice. Investigators later determined that the truck had become stuck in deep snow on the frozen flowage as winter weather created dangerous visibility and driving conditions.
Officials said Bernau was attempting to assist the driver by standing on the rear bumper of the truck to help improve traction. The idea was to add weight to the vehicle so it could gain better grip on the icy surface. At some point during the effort, Bernau fell from the bumper. As the driver, identified as Jeffrey Larson of Irma, tried to maneuver the truck free from the snow, Bernau was accidentally run over.
Emergency crews quickly responded to the scene, battling the same harsh weather conditions that contributed to the accident. First responders provided medical assistance, but despite their efforts, Bernau died from his injuries. The incident has deeply affected the local community, where residents are familiar with the risks of winter travel on frozen waterways.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that alcohol and reckless behavior were not factors in the accident. Officials described the incident as a tragic and unfortunate event. After reviewing the circumstances, authorities confirmed that no charges will be referred to the district attorney’s office.
Several agencies assisted at the scene, including the Little Rice Fire Department and the Oneida County Ambulance Service. Authorities are reminding residents to use extreme caution when traveling on frozen lakes and flowages, especially during heavy snowfall and reduced visibility. What began as a simple act of helping a stranded driver ended in tragedy, serving as a sobering reminder of how quickly winter conditions can turn dangerous.
