Vigil held for Winona student who died at work

Published 11:42 am Thursday, December 4, 2014

WINONA — A large crowd gathered at the center of the Winona State campus to pay tribute to a student athlete who died while working at a western Wisconsin restaurant.

Members of Brooke Baures’ family, friends, classmates and fellow gymnasts turned out for a candlelight vigil Wednesday night and shared stories and memories.

Baures was senior at the university and a member of the gymnastics team. She was found dead in a food elevator at WingDam Saloon and Grill in Fountain City, Wisconsin Monday night.

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Teammate Jade Donaldson said that no matter where she was, Brooke was able to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Donaldson says she was loving, caring and helpful.

An investigator said Bauers became trapped in the restaurant’s dumbwaiter which shuttles food and drinks between the first and second floors.