Posted Tuesday, October 13, 2009 --- 7:30 a.m.

Press Release from Rock County Sheriff's Department:

On Monday, October 12, 2009, at 2:46 PM, deputies from the Rock County Sheriff’s Office, along with personnel from Orfordville Police Department, Orfordville Fire and EMS, and Brodhead EMS responded to a skid loader falling off a bridge. Additional information received while responding to this call indicated the operator of the skid loader was unconscious. The incident occurred at 8418 S. Nelson Road, Brodhead, Wisconsin in the Township of Avon, which is located in southwest Rock County. This is approximately six miles southeast of Brodhead, WI. Emergency personnel began arriving on scene at 3:04 PM.

Preliminary investigation revealed a skid loader operated by Robert E. Alich, age 77, of Brodhead Wisconsin, was being navigated up a dirt ramp onto a wood overpass, which is attached to the barn. This driveway then leads into the haymow. While driving across this wood overpass, it gave way from the barn and the skid loader and Alich then fell 15-feet. The skid loader landed on the ground, on end, with the front resting against the barn wall. Alich was not wearing the seatbelt equipped in the skid loader and he was not ejected.

Alich was conscious and alert when removed by medical personnel from the skid loader. Alich was transported via React Helicopter to Rockford Memorial Hospital with incapacitating injuries. Medical condition of Alich at the time of this press release was listed critical.

Further information will be released via press release or when the associated reports are submitted, completed, and approved.

ROBERT D. SPODEN
SHERIFF
By: Sergeant Jason C. Harding