Woman slips on ice, dies in Milwaukee; cause probable hypothermia

MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee police are investigating the death of a 49-year-old woman who slipped on ice near 76th and Congress on Monday, Jan. 15. The victim is identified by the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office as 49-year-old Jolene Waldref.

Officials say Waldref was located near a bus stop at 76th and Congress. She was on the ground and unresponsive. Life-saving measures were attempted, but the woman was pronounced deceased. 

The medical examiner's investigation report said video footage was obtained from a nearby business. It showed around 5:45 p.m. last Monday, Waldref "slipping on ice, and hitting her face on a gate," officials said.

"She was just pacing back and forth until she stopped and leaned against the fence because we noticed she was trying to call 911," said a neighbor who described the video footage. "One civilian just walked by and kept going, one young lady stopped and noticed she was on the ground and called 911."

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The medical examiner's notes also said the woman's phone was unlocked when the fire department arrived – and it showed that Waldref attempted to call 911 shortly before her death. 

The medical examiner said the cause of death in this case is pending but is being investigated as probable hypothermia.

"I would say that it is tragic, and she really didn’t deserve that because it is really cold out here," said a person who lives near the bus stop.