A community mourns
A 16‑year‑old high school football player from Ithaca, Wisconsin, died after a skid loader overturned on a farm in Richland County, suffering a fatal head injury that proved fatal despite rapid medical attention.
The Ithaca School District confirmed the identity of Briggs Maxwell and released a heartfelt statement expressing sympathy for his family, friends, and the broader community, while also arranging immediate counseling resources for students and staff coping with the loss.
The scheduled football matchup between Ithaca/Weston and Wauzeka‑Steuben/Seneca was promptly canceled, leaving teammates, coaches, and fans stunned, as the district emphasized the need for collective grieving and reflection during this difficult period.
School officials used the tragedy as a reminder of the importance of safety on farms, announcing plans to review equipment protocols and to work with local authorities to prevent similar accidents in the future, hoping to protect other young people who balance athletics with agricultural responsibilities.