UW employee killed in Tuesday accident

April 18 update: The employee has been identified as Kenneth Newman, an instrument maker-journeyman with the UW–Madison Physical Plant Machine Shop, who worked for Physical Plant for 24 years. More information about his career will be shared next week.

A University of Wisconsin–Madison employee was killed in an on-the-job incident Tuesday afternoon at the Art Lofts, 111 N. Frances.

At approximately 1:45 p.m., the employee, 62, was injured when a loading dock lift fell on him while he was conducting repairs. He was transported to UW Hospital and Clinics where he was pronounced dead at approximately 2:10 p.m.

Additional details about the employee, including his name and work unit are not being released, pending additional notifications of his family.

“I was saddened to learn of the death of an employee this afternoon related to an on-the-job incident,” says Interim Chancellor David Ward. “I value deeply our employees and the service they provide to the university and the State of Wisconsin.

“We’re keeping his family, friends and campus colleagues in our thoughts this evening,” Ward says. “When it is appropriate, we will share more information to recognize his career and service to our community.”

Additional information about the cause of the incident is not yet available. An investigation is under way.

The Employee Assistance Office has been in contact with the the employee’s unit in order to provide counseling and support.

If you are a faculty or staff member in other areas and would like to talk to someone in response to this or any other incident, the Employee Assistance Office can be reached at (608) 263-2987.

If you are a student in need of counseling or crisis support as a result of this incident or any other situation, call University Health Services Counseling and Consultation Services at (608) 265-5600 or drop-in between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

If you need immediate assistance after hours or on weekends, please call the UHS Crisis Line at (608) 265-5600, option 9.