Hazelhurst Man, 73, Dies on Willow Flowage After Being Run Over by Truck During Whiteout Rescue Attempt

Official Report Confirms No Charges Filed in Tragic Accident Involving Randall Bernau and Driver Jeffrey Larson

ONEIDA COUNTY, WI – A tragic chain of events set in motion by severe winter weather claimed the life of a 73-year-old Hazelhurst man on Tuesday, according to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office. The incident, which occurred on the frozen expanse of the Willow Flowage, has left a Northwoods community in mourning and prompted authorities to issue urgent safety reminders about the hidden dangers of traveling on frozen waterways during extreme conditions.

The victim has been identified as Randall G. Bernau, 73, of Hazelhurst . Deputies were dispatched to the scene in the Town of Little Rice at approximately 12:37 p.m. on Tuesday following a report that a man had been run over on the ice . Despite the immediate response and life-saving efforts by emergency personnel, Bernau succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The Incident: A Rescue Attempt Turns Deadly

According to the investigative report released by the sheriff’s office, the incident began when a truck driven by Jeffrey Larson, 69, of Irma, became immobilized on the Willow Flowage. The area was being battered by severe winter weather, characterized by heavy snowfall and powerful winds that created whiteout conditions . These conditions, which reduce visibility to near zero, can quickly disorient even experienced outdoorsmen and make navigation on open landscapes like frozen lakes perilous.

It was in this dangerous context that Bernau arrived to assist the stranded driver. In a common but risky technique used to gain traction on ice or snow, Bernau positioned himself on the rear bumper of Larson’s truck. The added weight on the drive axle is intended to increase the tire’s grip on the slippery surface, helping the vehicle lurch forward out of a snowdrift.

However, amid the whipping snow and treacherous footing, the situation unraveled rapidly. Authorities stated that at some point during the effort, Bernau lost his balance and fell from the bumper. In the chaos of the whiteout, Larson maneuvered the truck in an attempt to free it. Tragically, as the vehicle moved, it ran over Bernau, who had fallen onto the ice .

Personnel from the Little Rice Fire Department and the Oneida County Ambulance Service arrived promptly and administered emergency aid, but their efforts could not save him.

Investigation: A “Tragic Accident”

In the aftermath of the incident, investigators from the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office worked to piece together the exact sequence of events. Their findings led to a definitive conclusion that brought some closure to the legal aspect of the case but did little to ease the sorrow. The sheriff’s office confirmed that alcohol was not a factor in the incident, nor was there any indication of reckless behavior on the part of either man.

Officials described the event as a “tragic accident,” a devastating convergence of severe weather, good intentions, and a momentary loss of control. Consequently, authorities confirmed that no charges will be referred to the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office .

The Hidden Dangers of Winter Waterways

In the wake of the accident, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office took the opportunity to remind the public about the extreme dangers posed by frozen waterways during winter, particularly when severe weather strikes. While the ice may seem like a solid, convenient thoroughfare, it is an unpredictable and dynamic environment.

Winter in the Northwoods is a popular time for ice fishing, snowmobiling, and other recreational activities. However, as this incident shows, the frozen landscape can turn deadly in an instant. The whiteout conditions that hampered visibility on Tuesday are a stark reminder that “severe winter weather” is not just a cold inconvenience but a direct safety hazard.

“Even the most experienced boaters and outdoorsmen (and women) can underestimate the changing conditions of winter weather, and what seems like solid ground one moment can quickly become a life-threatening situation,” warns safety guidelines issued by the U.S. Coast Guard .

When Ice Isn’t Safe
The tragedy on the Willow Flowage did not involve a vehicle falling through the ice, which is often the primary fear of winter drivers. Instead, it highlights the dangers of operating vehicles on ice. The incident occurred during a “rescue attempt” for a stuck vehicle, a common scenario that places people in harm’s way.

Heavy snow on ice can create two specific perils:

1. Loss of Traction: As happened to Larson’s truck, deep snow can stop a vehicle cold, leaving it high-centered or simply stuck.
2. Whiteout Conditions: High winds blow snow across open frozen lakes, creating ground blizzards that erase visual reference points. This makes navigating a vehicle treacherous and disorients everyone involved, turning a simple rescue into a hazardous operation.

Safety Guidelines for Ice Travel
Experts recommend extreme caution for anyone driving on ice. While the ice on the Willow Flowage may have been thick enough to support vehicles earlier in the season—with some local reports noting ice thicknesses of 5 to 10 inches in January—conditions are never uniform across a body of water .

For those who must venture onto the ice, safety experts and organizations like the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary recommend the following guidelines :

· Check Ice Thickness: Ice thickness is not consistent. Before driving on a frozen lake, measure the ice frequently. For a standard truck, clear blue ice should be at least 13 to 17 inches thick. If the ice is white or opaque (which is weaker due to trapped air bubbles), this thickness requirement should be doubled .
· Avoid Driving in Inclement Weather: If a winter storm warning has been issued, or if winds are high and visibility is low, stay off the ice. Whiteout conditions are a clear signal that travel should cease.
· Never Travel Alone: Use the “buddy system.” If a vehicle becomes stuck or breaks through the ice, having another person who can call for help is vital.
· Wear Appropriate Gear: Dress in bright colors to be visible in snow. Wear a personal flotation device (PFD), but do not wear it inside a closed vehicle, as it could make escaping through a window more difficult if the vehicle sinks .
· Prepare an Emergency Kit: Carry ice picks or awls (to pull yourself out if you fall through), a whistle, a rope, and a fully charged phone or marine radio in a waterproof bag .
· Know the SWOC Protocol: In the event a vehicle breaks through ice, remember the acronym SWOC: Seatbelts off, Windows open, Out immediately, Children first .

Community Impact

The loss of Randall Bernau has sent ripples of grief through the Hazelhurst area and the broader Northwoods community. As a 73-year-old resident, Bernau was known locally, and the manner of his death—trying to help a fellow motorist in need—adds a poignant layer of tragedy to the event.

The Willow Flowage, a sprawling 6,100-acre reservoir known for its excellent fishing and remote beauty, is a central hub for winter recreation in Oneida County . It is a place where communities come to fish, socialize, and enjoy the winter. That such a familiar and beloved location became the site of a fatal accident underscores the fine line between recreation and risk during the winter months.

As the community mourns, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office hopes that by sharing the details of this accident, they can prevent future tragedies. The reminder is stark: when severe weather strikes, the safest place to be is off the ice. The driver who survived, Jeffrey Larson of Irma, now lives with the knowledge that a moment of being stuck in the snow led to an unthinkable outcome.

The investigation into the incident has been closed, with authorities standing by their finding that this was a tragic accident fueled by severe winter weather, not by negligence. No further details are expected to be released.