A 911 call was received by the Taylor County Sheriff's Office on Friday, December 5, 2025, at approximately 4:17 p.m. The caller reported a missing person near the 7600 block of Perkinstown Avenue in the Township of Hammel. She said that her husband had been ice fishing earlier in the afternoon on Washington Flowage, which is located near their property. When he did not return, she was concerned he may have fallen through the ice.
Taylor County deputies, along with Medford fire personnel, Taylor County Emergency Management, and Taylor County EMS personnel, arrived at Washington Flowage where they saw a single sled trail leading out to an open area on the ice. The sled was seen in the open area of water.
Given they have specialized equipment and expertise in open water searches, Marathon County Sheriff's Office Dive Team, Wings of Hope and Bruce’s Legacy were contacted to aid in the search effort.
The man was found in the water, deceased, and was recovered. He was identified as Randall K. Runge of Medford. He was 69 years old. There is no indication of foul play.
The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office extended their condolences to the family of Randall. "We would also like to extend our gratitude towards the non-profit organizations, Wings of Hope and Bruce’s Legacy, along with the other emergency personnel that assisted," the sheriff's office added.
The investigation is ongoing.