The Ithaca, Wisconsin, community is mourning the tragic death of Briggs Maxwell, a young student and athlete who died following a farming accident in the Town of Ithaca on Thursday, August 27, 2026. His passing has left his family, classmates, teammates, teachers, coaches, and the wider Richland County community grieving the loss of a young life.
According to the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, deputies received a 911 call shortly after 7 a.m. reporting a farming accident involving a skid loader. Richland EMS and Ithaca First Responders were dispatched to the scene, where Briggs was found suffering from a serious head injury. He was transported to Richland Hospital for emergency treatment, but despite life-saving efforts, he later died from his injuries.
The Ithaca School District confirmed that Briggs Maxwell was the student who died. In a statement shared with the school community, district officials expressed their deepest sympathies to his family, friends, classmates, and everyone who knew and loved him. School officials also urged students and staff to support one another and give each other grace while processing the heartbreaking loss.
Briggs was a freshman at Ithaca High School and was involved in varsity football. He was listed as a running back and linebacker on the Ithaca/Weston football roster, making his death especially painful for teammates and coaches who had shared the field with him. His father was also an assistant coach with the football program, further deepening the impact of the tragedy within the school community.
The loss of a young student can affect an entire school. Classmates who saw Briggs in the halls, on the football field, and in everyday school life are now facing the difficult reality of his absence. Teachers, coaches, staff members, and families are likewise coping with the sudden tragedy.
In response to the death, the Ithaca School District made counselors and other trusted adults available to students and staff members who needed someone to talk with. The district gymnasium and classrooms were also opened so members of the school community could meet with school personnel and counseling services.
The tragedy also resulted in the cancellation of several athletic activities. The Ithaca/Weston varsity football game scheduled for Friday against Wauzeka-Steuben/Seneca was canceled, along with other school athletic activities, as the community was given time to grieve and support one another.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the farming accident. Authorities have confirmed that a skid loader was involved but have not released a complete account explaining exactly how the accident occurred. Further details may be provided as the investigation progresses.
For Briggs’ family and friends, however, the tragedy represents much more than an accident investigation. They are mourning a son, friend, classmate, teammate, and young member of the Ithaca community whose life was cut short.
Those who knew Briggs will remember the time they shared with him, from school activities and football to friendships and everyday moments. These memories will become an important part of how his family, teammates, and classmates honor his life.
The tragedy has brought the Ithaca community together during an extraordinarily difficult period. School officials have encouraged everyone affected to lean on one another and seek support when needed.
Briggs Maxwell’s death is a heartbreaking loss for his family, the Ithaca School District, his teammates, and the wider Richland County community. At this difficult time, condolences are extended to everyone who knew and loved Briggs as they come together to remember his life and support his family.
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