Fatal Farm Equipment Rollover in Wadena County: 79-Year-Old Dies at Scene

On Thursday evening, July 18th, at approximately 6:13 p.m., the Wadena County Sheriff’s Department responded to a tragic farm equipment rollover incident in rural Bullard Township, located north of Staples. The call came in reporting a serious accident involving a front-end loader tractor.

Upon arrival, first responders discovered the overturned tractor in a ditch along County Road 30. The operator, 79-year-old John Berger from Frazee, was found trapped beneath the heavy machinery. Despite the prompt and thorough efforts of emergency personnel, Berger was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The investigation into the cause of the accident is currently underway. Authorities are working to piece together the events that led to the rollover, examining factors such as equipment malfunction, operator error, and environmental conditions. The nature of the accident highlights the inherent risks associated with operating heavy farm equipment and underscores the importance of safety precautions in agricultural work.

Assistance at the scene was provided by multiple local agencies, including the Staples Police Department, Staples Fire and Rescue, and Lakewood Health Ambulance Service. Additionally, Karvonen Funeral Home and Scott’s Southtown Towing were involved in handling the aftermath of the incident, offering their support to both the family and the emergency response teams.

This tragic event has deeply impacted the local community, bringing to light the hazards faced by those working with heavy machinery. The loss of John Berger is a sobering reminder of the risks associated with farm work and the need for constant vigilance and safety measures to prevent such incidents.

As the investigation continues, updates will be provided to the public. The Wadena County Sheriff’s Department remains committed to uncovering the full circumstances surrounding this incident. The thoughts and condolences of the community are with the family and friends of John Berger during this difficult time. For further details and ongoing updates, residents are encouraged to follow local news sources and official announcements from law enforcement agencies.