Drowning indicated in autopsy
The Highway 82 Lansing bridge approach was repaired late last week after it eroded May 30, causing a fatal car accident. Crawford County Highway Commissioner Dennis Pelock said the county hauled in heavy riprap Thursday, June 1, installed new guardrail Friday morning, and reopened that stretch of roadway by midday Friday. (Photos by Dennis Pelock)
County personnel worked hard to get the stretch of road reopened to the public.
BRIDGE APPROACH REOPENED
The victim of last week’s bridge washout, James Walleser, 59, of Lansing, Iowa, died as a result of drowning, according to autopsy results received by the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department late last week.
Walleser was driving to work in his 2000 Jeep and heading east on the Highway 82 bridge when part of the approach span eroded and washed away into the Mississippi River on May 30. His vehicle became completely submerged in the river, which was 40 feet deep, reports said.
The La Crosse Dive Team and Milo’s Towing Service pulled the vehicle from the water. Walleser was pronounced dead at the scene.
Walleser’s funeral service was held Saturday at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lansing, Iowa. An obituary is available at the Thornburg-Grau Funeral Service website (graufuneralhomes.com).
