A 16-year-old boy, Michael Schuls, tragically passed away on Saturday following an incident at Florence Hardwoods sawmill in Wisconsin. Authorities responded to a call regarding an unresponsive teenager at the mill on Thursday. Schuls was transported to a Milwaukee pediatric hospital, but unfortunately, succumbed to his injuries two days later.

The Florence County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident, termed an "industrial accident." While details surrounding the incident and the nature of Schuls' injuries are being withheld due to the ongoing investigation, Florence County Coroner Jeff Rickaby confirmed an autopsy was conducted. However, the official cause of death awaits lab results and additional information, which could take several weeks.

A GoFundMe page established for Schuls' family describes the incident as a "horrible tragedy" that occurred while he was working at the sawmill. The post expresses the shock and grief felt by the small community.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division are investigating the incident, specifically looking into potential child labor violations related to hazardous occupations. Florence Hardwoods has declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation. The sawmill is situated in Florence, Wisconsin, near the Michigan border.

Wisconsin law prohibits minors from working in logging-related occupations, including sawmill operations. Specific restrictions prevent individuals under 18 from entering sawmill buildings and performing tasks such as felling trees, processing fallen trees, handling logs, and operating chainsaws. This incident occurs amidst legislative discussions in several states, including Wisconsin, concerning proposed changes to child labor laws, which could potentially permit minors to work in more hazardous environments, for longer hours, and in expanded roles.