Wisconsin State Trooper Bradley Ritger dies after bridge fall

Wisconsin State Trooper Bradley Ritger has died following a line-of-duty accident on September 21. The 29-year-old officer was responding to a traffic pursuit near the Dunn County and Eau Claire County line when the incident occurred.

While deploying a tire deflation device on an Interstate 94 bridge, Ritger fell from the bridge deck onto the roadway below while attempting to take cover. Despite receiving lifesaving efforts and being transported to a hospital, he passed away from his injuries on October 2.

Ritger had served with the Wisconsin State Patrol in the Northwest region for nearly five years and previously spent three years with the Department of Corrections. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced plans to issue an executive order to lower the United States and Wisconsin flags to honor the trooper once funeral arrangements are finalized.