On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 12:37 p.m., the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office received an emergency call. A 73-year-old man had been run over by a vehicle. According to authorities, "Immediately after the phone call, life saving measures were attempted; however, the male succumbed to his injuries on scene."
The tragic accident occurred on the Willow Flowage in the Town of Little Rice. In a windy, heavy snowstorm, a vehicle became stuck on the ice. Randall G. Bernau, Hazelhurst, WI, got onto the bumper of the vehicle, attempting to gain better traction for the driver, Jeffrey Larson, Irma, WI. At some point, the Randall fell off the bumper, and he was run over by the truck as it was backing up.
Alcohol and recklessness were determined not to be factors in this tragic accident. There will not be charges referred to the District Attorney’s Office.
On scene assisting the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office were personnel from the Little Rice Fire Department and the Oneida County Ambulance Service.