Tragic Incident at Taylor County Sawmill Leaves One Dead

TOWN OF BROWNING, Wis. (WEAU) – A fatal accident occurred at the Crass Sawmill in the Town of Browning, Taylor County, resulting in the death of a man. The incident, which involved a loader, took place on December 5, 2024.

According to a press release issued by the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, authorities were alerted about the incident at 3:27 p.m. It was reported that an individual had been run over by a loader at the sawmill, located at W3638 State Highway 64. The distressing call indicated that the victim was neither conscious nor breathing.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered the lifeless body of the victim, identified as 43-year-old Mark Frischman from Medford, Wis. He had suffered severe head trauma as a result of the accident.

Initial investigations revealed that Frischman had been engaged in a conversation with another individual near a loader, which was unloading a semi-truck. As the conversation came to an end, one person walked away, leaving Frischman approximately six feet away from the loader. Tragically, upon turning back, Frischman found himself in the path of the reversing loader and was struck.

The press release highlighted that the loader operator was not equipped with a backup camera or back-up alarms, rendering him unaware of Frischman’s presence behind the vehicle. Additionally, the noise generated by the running semi-trucks and other equipment at the sawmill made it challenging for Frischman to hear the approaching loader.

The authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident to determine the exact sequence of events and the factors contributing to the tragic outcome. Safety measures and protocols at the sawmill will also be examined to ensure such accidents can be prevented in the future.