Wisconsin High School Football Player Dies in Farming Accident

The Ithaca, Wisconsin, community is mourning the tragic loss of a student-athlete following a farming accident Thursday morning.

According to the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, deputies received a 911 call shortly after 7 a.m. reporting a farming accident involving a skid loader. Emergency medical personnel and first responders immediately responded to the scene, where they found a young boy suffering from a serious head injury.

The child was transported to a local hospital for additional treatment. Despite the efforts of medical personnel and first responders, he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.

The student was identified as Briggs Maxwell, a freshman at Ithaca High School and a member of the Ithaca/Weston football team. Maxwell was listed on the football roster as a running back and linebacker.

His death has sent shockwaves throughout the school and surrounding community, with classmates, teammates, coaches and teachers now grieving the loss of a young student-athlete who had his entire life ahead of him.

The Ithaca School District announced that its gymnasium and classrooms would be open for students and community members seeking support. School personnel and counseling services will be available to help those affected by the tragedy.

The tragedy also led to the cancellation of Friday night’s scheduled football game between Ithaca/Weston and Wauzeka-Steuben/Seneca.

According to reports, the game will not be played as the school community takes time to mourn and support one another.

For a football team, the bond between teammates extends far beyond the field. Losing a teammate and classmate can be especially difficult for young athletes, and the Ithaca/Weston football family now faces the difficult task of grieving together.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Maxwell’s family, his teammates, coaches, classmates, teachers and the entire Ithaca community during this incredibly difficult time.

Rest in peace, Briggs Maxwell.