Bellyflopping Off Bridges Up For Public Debate
Officials May Outlaw Bellyflops Off Bridges After Man Dies
Posted: 1:12 pm CDT May 3,2004Updated: 1:31 pm CDT May 5,2004
BELOIT, Wis. -- Beloit is moving ahead on an ordinance to prevent people from jumping off bridges, after a man participated in a bellyflop contest and drowned last week.A public hearing on the plan is set for Monday, June 7.The body of Dorl Gates, 52, of Beloit was found in the Rock River around 8:30 p.m. Monday. He jumped about 20 feet from a bridge to his death. Diamond Jim's Bar of Beloit sponsored he contest, but it was to take place at the dock behind the bar. Several men, including Gates who reportedly could not swim, decided to make the jump from the nearby bridge.
Previous Stories:
- April 27, 2004: Police Won't Release Tape Of Fatal Belly Flop
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