A 21-year-old gymnast and college student was found dead inside of a Wisconsin restaurant’s dumbwaiter Monday night, though no foul play has been suspected.
Fountain City police responded to a call from the WingDam Bar and Saloon at around 8 p.m. There they discovered Brooke Baures, a waitress at the restaurant, unresponsive inside of the kitchen food elevator. Police Chief Jason Mork commented that the dumbwaiter’s opening is roughly three feet by three feet.
The Buffalo County Sheriff’s Department stated that there is no initial indication of foul play, but an autopsy has been scheduled to determine the cause of death.
Baures attended Winona State University, and was studying social work. She was also a member of their gymnastics team from 2011 to 2014.
WSU Athletics Mourns Loss Of Former Gymnastics Student-Athlete Brooke Baures: http://t.co/dUvzdPIDah pic.twitter.com/FhlcYeEvH6
— Winona St. Warriors (@WSUWarriors) December 3, 2014
Eric Schoh, WSU Athletic Director said in a statement, “Brooke was a leader on that team and a very talented gymnast. 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.”
Our WSU community mourns the loss of student and Warrior gymnast Brooke Baures. Brooke's family, friends & teammates are in our thoughts.
— Winona State U (@winonastateu) December 2, 2014
RIP too one of the most talented, sweetest, and helpful gym sisters I've ever had, Brooke Baures. RIP Tinker Bell.
— Princess Chrissy (@Christine_9080) December 2, 2014
Another angel gained her wings. Rest peacefully, @BrookeBaures. Heaven must have needed you more. Spread those wings and fly#RIPBrooke
— Kylin Duffy (@kylinduffy) December 3, 2014
According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), only two dumbwaiter incidents, both fatal, have occurred in the U.S. between 2003 and 2013.
Junior Brooke Baures helping a little boy do a forward roll! pic.twitter.com/ceVqOSHDOI
— WSU Gymnastics (@WSUGymnastics) November 9, 2013