Rock County Fatal Crash

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UPDATE: Monday, July 7, 2008 --- 3:50 p.m.

According to a news release from the Rock County Sheriff's Department:

On Sunday, July 6, 2008 at Noon, an autopsy was conducted on the victim in this incident, Dale L. Bryant.

As a result of that autopsy and related procedures, no apparent medical-related cause could be determined for this crash.

Also determined was the fact that Dale Bryant was, in fact, wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Further information will be released as information is determined and events warrant.

__________________________________________________________

UPDATE: Monday, July 7, 2008 --- 9:20 a.m.

According to a news release from the Rock County Sheriff's Office:

Sheriff Robert D. Spoden and the Rock County Sheriff’s Office regret to announce the death of Correctional Officer Dale L. Bryant. Officer Bryant died of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle crash that occurred on July 5, 2008 at 3:09PM, immediately after Officer Bryant completed his assigned shift at the Rock County Jail.

Officer Bryant served the Rock County Sheriff’s Office honorably for five and one half (5 ½) years as a Correctional Officer. He also served as a member of this agency’s Honor Guard and as President of AFSCME Local 2489.

Officer Bryant will be buried with full law enforcement and military honors. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 11, 2008 from 11:00AM until 1:00PM. The funeral will be at 1:00PM at the Evansville High School. Internment will follow at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Evansville.

The Sheriff and his staff would like to express their condolences to the family and friends of Officer Bryant. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time.

_______________________________________________________

Posted Sunday, July 6, 2008 -- 6:30am

Release from the Rock County Sheriff's Department

On Saturday, July 5, 2008, at 3:09 PM, deputies from the Rock County Sheriff's Office and first responders from Footville Fire/Rescue were dispatched to the report of a traffic accident on W USH 14 west of N CTH H in NW Rock County, approximately midway between the cities of Janesville and Evansville.

Initial investigation indicates that a 2003 Pontiac Vibe was traveling WB on USH 14 when it crossed over the centerline and collided head-on in the EB lane of traffic with an EB semi-tractor pulling a fully loaded milk tanker trailer. After the collision, the semi-tanker traveled off the south shoulder of the road and came to rest upright in a neighboring front yard. The Pontiac Vibe came to rest upright in the north-side ditch of USH 14.

The driver of the Vibe, Dale L. Bryant, 44, of Evansville, WI, was ejected from the car. It appears that he was not wearing passenger restraints. Bryant was pronounced dead at the scene by a member of the Rock County Coroner’s Office. Dale Bryant was employed as a correctional officer by the Rock County Sheriff's Office. He had just finished his shift at the jail and was headed to his residence in Evansville.

The driver of the semi tractor, Randy M. Ulrich, age 40, of Fort Atkinson, WI, and his wife, Lori L. Ulrich, 40, a passenger in the semi tractor, were both wearing passenger restraints (“seat belts”) and neither of them were injured as a result of the crash. USH 14 was closed for upwards of six hours while accident reconstructionists from the Wisconsin State Patrol took measurements and vehicles and related debris were cleared from the scene.

While the investigation continues, at this time no charges are anticipated as a result of the incident. Further information will be disseminated via press release when it becomes available, or by reports when the investigation is completed and the reports are finalized and approved.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Sandy on Jul 12, 2008 at 07:33 PM
I'm a close relative of Dale Bryant would it be possible to get pictures from anyone that has them. I loved him and will miss him very very much.He was a good cousin. tmulholland1@wi.rr.com

Posted by: llr on Jul 10, 2008 at 02:58 PM
The station can contact me and I will give you the names of people who were there before the first responders showed up.

Posted by: llr on Jul 10, 2008 at 02:54 PM
I am related to the truck driver and have seen pictures of the accident. The driver of the Vibe was cut from the vehicle after the accident by the first responders. He was in fact wearing his seat belt. The information being discussed on this website is inaccurate. Please get the story straight before you post comments about people when you do not have first hand information or speculation of what you think happened. People on the scene before the police and emergency rescue arrived have the correct information and yet you people don't listen to any of them. You just have nothing better to do than post stupid comments. Please respect the families of those involved. Channel 15 needs to research the information and get it right before broadcasting it. No one was ejected from either vehicle. Channel 15 had no one on site and did not interview anyone who was. Get it right before you have people posting this kind of speculation.

Posted by: friend on Jul 9, 2008 at 12:07 PM
come on people how about a little compassion here, I am afriend of the truck driver and his wife this is not easy for them or for the Bryant family I cant beleive you people are taking this opportunity to criticize others instead of offering support to those who need it the most.

Posted by: Johnny be good on Jul 9, 2008 at 11:26 AM
Like many state employees or in audreys case it appears she does not know what she is talking about. And to Fedup, you want to clear things up for EVERYONE! LOL! you are a joke~!

Posted by: 10 min. is too long on Jul 9, 2008 at 07:30 AM
To the corrections cop, Im so glad you straightened out Audrey, maybe she will try to think before typing something so stupid. I don't know anyone who works a 12 or 16 hour shift and can't make a decision on weather or not to buckle up. Audrey is not too smart. But she knows how to write a letter complaining if someone she knows has to stay an extra 10 minutes.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 9, 2008 at 07:19 AM
To Fed up with this, your going to clear things up is not too convincing. Why don't you give everyone YOUR opinion on what Joe said.

Posted by: Relative to the truck driver on Jul 8, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Having first hand knowledge and photos of the scene, let me just say, a seatbelt, "being tired", "reaching for something" or "ejected from vehicle" were not factors at all. Witnesses, victims and photos prove otherwise. Do the families of Dale and The Ulrich's honor by not arguing on here anymore. It's a tragic situation that should never have happened but did, now its time to move on.

Posted by: Fedupwiththis on Jul 8, 2008 at 03:54 PM
I'm going to clear things up for EVERYONE! We do not work 16 hours per day. Some correctional officers choose to and I don't agree with it. We get mandated to work 12 hours just about everyday and sometimes we find out right before our shift is over. Which means you make plans with your family and have to break them minutes before your shift is over. So Audrey and Anonymous 12:08, maybe just maybe you shouldn't be making statements about issues you know nothing about. Granted Dale had to work as much as anyone else but unfortunately we'll never know why this happened. The fact of the matter is, is that Dale was a wonderful man and co-worker and he will be missed by anyone who knew him.

Posted by: Officer on Jul 8, 2008 at 02:41 PM
He was a good man, a good father and husband, and a good Officer. God be with him and his family

Posted by: Joe on Jul 8, 2008 at 02:16 PM
1:01p.m. I know a guy who drives a truck and uses a log book. I think it's interesting these who patrol the roadways and as you say these corrections officers work all these long hours, but the truck drivers cannot drive more than I think it's 11hours at a time before they need 10 off or something. Law enforcement should be no different. Especially if that would be the case here.

Posted by: Shelly on Jul 8, 2008 at 02:03 PM
Hey Tim I feel the same way. Audrey you must be a sluff off.

Posted by: TIM on Jul 8, 2008 at 01:23 PM
audrey, if you or anyone you know who has a state or local job and cannot do something as simple as stay a few extra minutes and get credit for that time, I Assure you, you absolutely have no buisness having a job like that.

Posted by: Audrey on Jul 8, 2008 at 01:01 PM
To Anonymous at 12:08: To clarify, they are ordered to work a second shift - meaning 16 plus hour days- for multiple days in a row. Even when not scheduled to work, an employee can get called in without having the option to say no. They don't get a choice about it. Law enforcement jobs are not 9-5. They stay until the job is done. This doesn't sound lazy to me, it sounds like these people, the same people that will unfortunately have to risk their lives for yours, are overworked to a point that risks everyone's safety. I'm not sure how to make that any more clear.

Posted by: Dan on Jul 8, 2008 at 12:59 PM
9:52: Can you read? rll 4:10 did nothing more than repeat the information from the post-autopsy press release from the sheriff's department. See the 3:50 update from 7/7 at the top of this page. How is that being a troublemaker?

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 8, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Hey Audrey. I trully hope I read your comment correctly. They Are "ORDERED" to stay and work, "is that 10 Extra minutes"? LOL!! LOL!! Yes, That will clearly tear apart a family. Not enough home time. LOL!! You or your relation are definately some of the lazy ones. LOL!!

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 8, 2008 at 09:52 AM
Rll 4:10 . I don't think you know what you are talking about you troublemaker.

Posted by: Amy on Jul 8, 2008 at 09:17 AM
Randy and Lori we are so very relived that you are ok!!! our thoughts and Prayers are with the Bryant family.

Posted by: Audrey on Jul 8, 2008 at 09:07 AM
To Anonymous at 5:43pm: I would love to see the State and municipalities lift their hiring freeze on the many vacant jobs. This would make the working environment much safer, provide more service to the public, and provide good jobs to deserving people. Do you really think the current employees want the "extra time?" No. They are ORDERED to stay at work 10 minutes before their shift was supposed to end. They don't get to go home and sleep or spend time with their families or have a normal life. The overtime is accumulated as comp time where if it isn't used it gets paid out once per year where after taxes it ends up being less than the normal hourly rate. Definately not a perk for any employee. I have written letters to AFSCME and state representatives. What have you done?

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 8, 2008 at 07:01 AM
Why did he cross the center line?

Posted by: Elli on Jul 7, 2008 at 09:51 PM
I know a lot of people are sad to see him go!He's kids more than all the rest!

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 7, 2008 at 05:43 PM
Hey 3:26p.m. how come the news can't get that little of information correct? The fact as you say he had to be extricated.And to Audry, you should tell the state to begin hiring more people for state and city jobs rather than letting these people get all the exrta time. The Good Lord knows there are always a couple of people looking for a job.

Posted by: rll on Jul 7, 2008 at 04:10 PM
On Sunday, July 6, 2008 at noon, an autopsy was conducted on the victim in this incident, Dale L. Bryant. As a result of that autopsy and related procedures, no apparent medical-related cause could be determined for this crash. Also determined was the fact that Dale Bryant was, in fact, wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Posted by: Joe on Jul 7, 2008 at 03:50 PM
For the respect of his family, WMTV please turn the "comments" feature off on this story.

Posted by: lr on Jul 7, 2008 at 03:26 PM
Being at the site of this terrible accident, let me set the record straight. Mr. Bryant was not ejected from the car, he had to be cut out.

Posted by: Z on Jul 7, 2008 at 01:57 PM
Sounds like seat belt wouldn't make a difference, but why over the centerline? My thoughts and prayers to the family.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 7, 2008 at 01:35 PM
People forget about the seatbelt, whether he used it or not is not an issue anymore. A life was lost and a family is left without a father and husband. Please have some respect for Dale and his family.

Posted by: rmj on Jul 7, 2008 at 01:29 PM
As someone who has seen first had photos of both vehicles involved in this accident, let me put to rest, that the seat belt had NO bearing on the outcome. I am sorry for the Bryant families loss. As a family member to the Ulrichs' my thoughts are with them as they cope with the emotions of this tragic event.

Posted by: Audrey on Jul 7, 2008 at 12:45 PM
I have no doubt this officer had been ordered to work double shifts and was most likely sleep deprived. This happens more often than people know. Being a law enforcement offcier is a thankless, and dangerous job and they should not be forced or even allowed to work 16 plus hour shifts for days on end. My husband has done this. It is not healthy and not safe. It not only jeopardizes his life, but also his coworkers' lives. What will it take to change the system?

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 7, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Michelle 12:48a.m. brains are something you are lacking. The amount of hours has nothing to do with weather or not he was able to click it or ticket.

Posted by: michelle on Jul 7, 2008 at 12:48 AM
How many hours had he worked? I believe AFSCME doesn't have anything in the union contract about C.O.'s either volunteering or being ordered to work 16 hour days. Tragic Accident. My thoughts are with the family.

Posted by: marc on Jul 6, 2008 at 09:02 PM
I worked with dale bryant he was a very well liked person. I rode with him many times and he always wore his seatbelt. My prays are with his wife and small childeren.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 6, 2008 at 07:51 PM
I wonder what happened? If the guy was on his way home maybe something fell or was reaching for something and then just over corrected? That sucks!

Posted by: suzanne on Jul 6, 2008 at 06:47 PM
There is no doubt that everyone should, WITHOUT EXCEPTION, wear their seatbelt while traveling. That said, some accidents are just so tramatic, that belt or no belt, people die in car accidents. This accident, unfortunatly falls into this catagory. It just seems so mean-spirited to focus on the lack of a selt belt instead of the loss of a man's life. With such a limited amount of text allowed to post for a comment, it seems callous to comment that a selt belt would have saved his life,as if his not wearing one justifies his death. Yes, Mr. Bryant was ejected from his vehicle, but he also drove head on into a semi while driving a Vibe. The speed limit on this road is 55 mph. Unfortunately, even with a seat belt on, Mr. Bryant truly didn't have a chance. Our mailbox is located within sight of the accident. It is an awful, terrible tragedy. My prayers are with the family and friends of both the Bryants and the Ulrichs as well as everyone who responded and dealt with the aftermath. peace..

Posted by: C on Jul 6, 2008 at 06:04 PM
Seatbelt would probably not have saved him but you never know, keeping his eye on the road would have. It is unfortunate that he crossed the center line.

Posted by: sassy1 on Jul 6, 2008 at 05:09 PM
I agree that seatbelts save lives but in some cases like this one, a seatbelt really wouldn't have mattered.

Posted by: sarah on Jul 6, 2008 at 03:31 PM
Do you really think a seat belt would have saved him??? He hit a semi head on. People when posting remember Dale has young children who can read!!!!!!

Posted by: M on Jul 6, 2008 at 02:22 PM
Terrible!!! A corrections officer not wearing a seatbelt? Randy and Lori, so glad you're okay. My prayers are with the Bryant family and Randy and Lori as you all cope.

Posted by: RG on Jul 6, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Carol & Beverly - Seriously do you think a seatbelt in this case would have helped. Think about it, hitting a semi head on? Not much of a chance there. Yes, in some cases seatbelts save lives, and yes they should be worn but come on. Either way this gentleman would have died. I have been an emergency responder for years and head on collision are not real survivable unless you are in a bigger vehicle especially with a semi fully loaded. The law tells us to do a lot of things, how many people actually obey the laws? I bet you both drive the exact speed limit also?

Posted by: Lloyd on Jul 6, 2008 at 12:12 PM
A seatbelt would not have saved his life, nothing would have in a head on collision with an 18 wheeler.

Posted by: Sandy on Jul 6, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Sending prayers to both families, especially the Bryant children.

Posted by: carol on Jul 6, 2008 at 09:02 AM
What a horrible horrible accident. Seatbelts people!! Wear your seatbelts!! Lori and Randy our prayers are with you as you work through your feelings and cope with this tragedy. Our prayers are also with the Bryant family.

Posted by: beverly on Jul 6, 2008 at 07:00 AM
THE LAW TELLS US TO WEAR A SEATBELT. HE IS NOT SETTING A GOOD EXAMPLE . BELTS SAVE LIVES.

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