Man, 53, found crushed to death under trailer ramp in Vernon Hills area

VERNON HILLS, Ill. - A 53-year-old man was found crushed to death under a trailer ramp Thursday morning in unincorporated Vernon Hills.

The body of Wladyslaw Dziedzic, of Libertyville, was discovered about 6:30 a.m. in the 24800 block of North Milwaukee Avenue underneath a trailer ramp used to load and offload heavy equipment, according to the Lake County sheriff's office.

An investigation revealed Dziedzic showed up at the property earlier that morning to remove a Komatsu excavator from a trailer, so the trailer could be taken to a worksite. The Lake County Sheriff's Office said it appeared he likely used the bucket on the excavator to raise the trailer ramps, which weigh around 300 pounds each.

While he was walking to latch the ramps to the trailer, the chain likely slipped, causing the ramps to fall with one of them landing on top of Dziedzic, crushing his torso, officials said.

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An autopsy revealed Dziedzic died from blunt force injuries as a result of the accident. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration was notified of the incident.

Sheriff's detectives said foul play does not appear to be a factor. They are still investigating.