Few Details Released in CL South Student's Fall in Canyon

Police officials said Friday they could not release any additional information surrounding the Crystal Lake South High School student who fell 30 feet into a canyon last weekend in the Wisconsin Dells.

The Lake Delton Police Department told Patch Friday additional information could be released Monday. The accident occurred during the early morning hours of Sunday at the Wilderness Resort in the Wisconsin Dells

Police have not yet released the identity of the 17-year-old student who police said attempted to cross the canyon on a fallen log, lost his balance and fell into the canyon below.

The young man, a resident of Crystal Lake, is currently being treated at the University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison, Wisc. The hospital has not released a statement on his medical condition.

Lake Delton Police and the Dells-Delton Emergency Medical Service were called to the Wilderness at about 2:34 a.m. Sunday. The officers entered the canyon and found the student lying unconscious, police said. The young man was transported by medical flight helicopter from the Dells to the Madison hospital.

Police originally stated that alcohol is suspected as being a factor in the accidental fall, and an investigation ensued.

Community High School District 155 Spokesman Jeff Puma said that Crystal Lake South High School, which held its Junior-Senior Prom the Friday before the accident, was not part of the investigation.

“The incident did not occur at a school-sponsored or -sanctioned event, so our personnel do not have any first-hand information about what actually took place,” Puma said. “However, we would support any law enforcement investigation to the best of our ability.”

Last week, prior to the May 6 prom, CLS Principal Marsha Potthoff sent an e-mail to all South parents warning of the dangers and responsibility of allowing students to participate in underage drinking, or renting hotels for them.

“As we approach Prom weekend, we would like to share some important information to help assure this event is successful and safe,” Potthoff said in the e-mailed letter to parents.

“… as rumors circulate about post prom plans, we worry about our students’ safety. Parents who reserve hotel rooms for their children or who allow underage drinking in their homes are assuming huge liability and will be held responsible by the police departments. There is no such thing as “safe” underage drinking. Consequences for both students and parents involved are severe and expensive. Please have a clear understanding of your son or daughter’s plans and who will be supervising activities.”

"In short, we hope that we can work together as a school community to send a strong message to our students that prom can be a fun, memorable event without the use of illegal substances or other risky behaviors," Potthoff wrote in the letter.