UPDATE: The child killed in the accident has been identified as Collin Fitzgerald, 4, of New Richmond.
Results of the investigation revealed Daniel Fitzgerald, Collin's father had intended to plow the driveway of the family's home. Collin had asked to play in a snow fort that the parents had built for him while his father plowed. Daniel watched as Collin made his way to the snow fort in the front yard. Daniel then started plowing.
Daniel noticed an are in front of the garage of the home that had a snow build-up. Daniel pulled partially into the garage and then backed up, using his snowplow to pull snow from the front of the garage. That's when he noticed Collin was injured. Daniel immediately called for help and attempted live saving measures.
Collin died as a result of massive head injuries from being run over by the pick-up truck. No one else was home at the time of the accident.
New Richmond EMS transported Collin to Westfields Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
"This is one of the most tragic events that anyone could ever have to deal with,' said St. Croix County Sheriff John Shilts. "This is an accident by all accounts and our thoughts and prayers go out to the Fitzgerald family."
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St. Croix County (Press Release) - The St. Croix County Sheriff's Office is investigating the death of a 4-year-old child in the Town of Star Prairie.
Deputies and EMS were dispatched to the 1000 block of 238th Avenue at approximately 11:52 a.m. Tuesday for a report of a 4-year-old child who had been struck by a vehicle.
The child was transported to Westfields Hospital in New Richmond where the child was pronounced dead.
Preliminary information indicates that a family member of the child was engaged in snow plowing when the child was struck.
No further details will be released until the investigation is complete.
