In a tragic incident, a fatal single-vehicle crash in Vernon County has claimed the life of a 43-year-old man from Onalaska, Wisconsin. The accident occurred on December 3, 2023, in the peaceful rural town of Liberty, sending shockwaves through the community.

Details of the Incident

According to an official press release issued by the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office, the distressing incident took place late in the evening on a fateful curve along State Highway 56, close to Sportsman Road. At approximately 10:30 p.m., a vigilant deputy sheriff noticed a pickup truck that had veered off the south side of the highway.

The preliminary investigation suggests that the vehicle, which was traveling east on State Highway 56, failed to negotiate the curve to the left. Consequently, the pickup truck careened off the right side of the road, crashing into a series of small trees before becoming airborne. The vehicle ultimately collided with a substantial tree and came to rest in an upright position. Tragically, the driver was trapped inside the mangled wreckage.

Efforts to Rescue the Victim

Upon assessing the gravity of the situation, immediate efforts were made to extricate the driver from the severely damaged vehicle. Emergency response teams, including paramedics and firefighters, arrived swiftly at the scene to lend their expertise.

Despite their valiant attempts, the driver, identified as Mr. Paul Craig, sadly succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the accident site. The loss of a life has left the community mourning a beloved member and has left a void in the hearts of his friends and family.

Investigation Underway

Authorities have initiated a thorough investigation to ascertain the circumstances leading up to the tragic crash. The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office will leave no stone unturned as they meticulously analyze various factors, such as road conditions, driver behavior, and any potential mechanical failures that may have contributed to this devastating incident.

Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information related to the accident to step forward and assist in the investigation. Eyewitness accounts and any relevant details could prove instrumental in unraveling the sequence of events that led to the untimely demise of Mr. Paul Craig.