Wisconsin Gymnast Found Dead in Restaurant Dumbwaiter

The body of Brooke Baures, 21, was found in the food elevator in the bar and grill where she worked

Authorities in Wisconsin on Wednesday were continuing their investigation into the death of a college student whose body was found in a dumbwaiter at a bar and grill.

Police responding to a 911 call at WingDam Saloon and Grill in Fountain City about 8 p.m. Monday found the body of a 21-year-old bar employee in the food elevator connected to the kitchen.

Winona State University in Minnesota identified the victim as Brooke Baures of Chetek, Wisconsin. She was a senior majoring in social work and was a member of the school's gymnastics team.

"She was a leader on the team and a talented gymnast," Winona State athletic director Eric Schoh said in a statement posted to the Winona State Warriors website. "This is a tremendous loss for our community, and we ask that you keep Brooke and her family, friends, coaches and teammates in your thoughts."

Fountain City Police Chief Jason Mork said the dumbwaiter's opening was about 3 feet by 3 feet.

According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, dumbwaiter accidents are rare. According to the OSHA database, only two incidents, both fatal, have happened in the U.S. between 2003 and 2013.

An 8 p.m. Wednesday vigil was scheduled to honor Baures at the alumni gazebo in the center of campus.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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