Watch CBS News

Father Was Driver In Wis. Snow Plow Ax That Killed Boy

STAR PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP, Wis. (WCCO) -- The St. Croix County Sheriff's Office has released more information in the tragic snow plow death of a 4-year-old child in Star Prairie Township, Wis. Tuesday morning.

At 11:52 a.m., authorities were dispatched to 1071 238th Avenue for a report of a child struck by a vehicle. There, authorities discovered that the boy, identified as Collin Fitzgerald, had been run over by a truck with a snow plow attached to it. Collin was taken to Westfield's Hospital in New Richmond where he was pronounced dead.

An investigation learned that before the accident, Daniel Fitzgerald, Collin's father, asked Collin to play in a snow fort that the parents built for him while he plowed. Daniel watched Collin make his way to the snow fort and then started plowing.

The Sheriff's Office says Daniel was dealing with a buildup of snow in front of the garage of the home when he noticed blood on the snow. He looked closer and realized Collin was injured, immediately called for help and attempted life-saving measures. However, Collin suffered massive head injuries from being run over by a pickup truck.

"This is one of the most tragic events that anyone could ever have to deal with," said St. Croix County Sheriff John Shilts. "This is an accident by all accounts and our thoughts and prayers go out to the Fitzgerald family."

No one else was at home during the time of the accident.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.