Hazelhurst man killed in tragic accident on the Willow Flowage

A 73-year-old Hazelhurst man was killed Tuesday afternoon Feb. 24 after he was run over while trying to help a motorist in need. According to the Oneida County sheriff’s office, a call came in at approximately 12:37 p.m. Feb. 24 reporting that a 73-year-old male that had been run over by a vehicle. The incident occurred on the Willow Flowage in the Town of Little Rice.  “Immediately after the phone call, life-saving measures were attempted, however Randall G. Bernau succumbed to his injuries on scene,” the release states. “Upon investigation, it was determined that the vehicle became stuck on the ice in heavy snow and wind during white out conditions,” the release explains. The deceased got onto the bumper of the vehicle in an attempt to gain better traction for the operator, a 69-year-old Irma man. At some point, the deceased fell off the bumper and was run over by the truck as it was backing up.  “Alcohol and recklessness were determined not to be factors,” the release concludes. “There will not be charges referred to the District Attorney’s Office. This was a tragic accident.” On scene assisting the sheriff’s office were personnel from the Little Rice Fire Department and the Oneida County Ambulance Service.