After progress in recovery, 19-year-old man dies from accident at State Fair

19-year-old man dies after injuries sustained at State Fair

19-year-old man dies after injuries sustained at State Fair

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A 19-year-old man died Monday, August 12th at Froedtert Hospital, after sustaining traumatic head injuries during a fall from a moving pick-up truck at the State Fairgrounds on Saturday, August 3rd.

The victim is identified as John Klossner, who would have been a sophomore this year at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

According to officials, Klossner was part of a group, which was brought in to handle cattle at the State Fair. Police say Klossner, along with four other individuals were in the back of a moving pick-up truck, which was heading east on 5th Avenue when the incident occurred.

Authorities say the tailgate was off, and Klossner was seated on the bed of the truck, with his feet hanging over the edge.

According to officials, the driver was allegedly going 10 mph in a 20 mph zone. However, after some coaxing from the passengers, the driver floored the accelerator, the truck lurched forward, and Klossner, along with one other individual were ejected.

Klossner and the other passenger both landed on their feet, however, Klossner fell backwards and struck his head on the asphalt.

Klossner was hospitalized and - despite sustaining a fractured skull - Klossner originally was thought to be making progress in his recovery. However, things took a turn for the worse when he went "unresponsive" and several attempts to revive him were made.