Horror Show: Milwaukee Visitor Falls To Death When Drawbridge Opens

After learning of this tragic incident that took place in Milwaukee on Monday afternoon, I ran a search to see how often this sort of thing happens. I was surprised to learn that people being killed by a fall from an opening drawbridge happens far more than I had thought.

It happens, and has happened, all over the United States, with the most recent fatal plunge, before Monday's in Milwaukee, was back in February in Florida--and that death was eerily similar to what just happened in Milwaukee.

What Started As Nice Walk In Milwaukee For A Visiting Rhode Island Couple Turned Into A Nightmare

According to published reports, 77 year old Richard Dujardin, from Providence, Rhode Island, and his wife of 54 years, Rosemarie, were walking across the Kilbourn Avenue Bridge when the bridge began to rise. Rosemarie made it across to the other side, but Richard didn't.

WISN.com:

The lights, bells and arms came down at each end of the bridge; however, Richard was hard of hearing and it is thought that he didn't notice them.

When it started to rise, he panicked and grabbed onto the side rail. The bridge continued to rise until it was straight up at a 90-degree angle.

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.

Milwaukee authorities say that Richard's fall was the equivalent of falling from a 7-story building.

As I Mentioned Earlier, Fatal Falls From Drawbridges In The United States Take Place More Often Than You Might Think

In February, a 79 year old Florida woman fell 60 feet to her death from Royal Park Bridge connecting the town of Palm Beach to West Palm Beach. Her family sued over the incident and were awarded $8.2 million in a settlement.