A tragic incident occurred on the last day of 2024, as reported by the Morrison County Sheriff's Office. Dale Schlangen, a 65-year-old man from Belgrade, MN, died after falling from a roof while helping family members with construction work on a pole shed. The accident took place on 110th Avenue, near Little Falls, in Swan River Township.
The mishap was reported to the sheriff's office around 3:26 pm on December 31. Schlangen, according to the Morrison County Sheriff's Office, slipped on the rafters before falling to the ground. First responders alongside family members attempted first aid and life-saving measures, but sadly, Schlangen succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
In a statement, the Morrison County Sheriff's Office conveyed its "deepest condolences to the family and friends of Schlangen during this difficult time" and confirmed the incident is under investigation. The county's announcement did not disclose further details regarding the events leading up to the fall or any potential factors contributing to the accident.
Assistance was provided at the scene by the Bowlus First Response Team, North Air Care, and Mayo Clinic Ambulance, as noted in the sheriff's office statement. This fatal accident serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers involved in construction and repair work, especially in scenarios involving elevated surfaces.
