UPDATE: Authorities Release Names In Fatal Two-Vehicle Crash In Rusk County

Icy road conditions may have been a contributing factor

UPDATE: Authorities Release Names In Fatal Two-Vehicle Crash In Rusk County

RUSK COUNTY -- Authorities have released the names of the parties involved in the fatal crash in Rusk County.

The Wisconsin State Patrol have identified the driver (fatal) as Richard J Smith, 28, of Bruce, WI and the driver of the second vehicle as Laura J Peterson, 68, of Chetek, WI.


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Two-Vehicle Crash In Rusk County Results In Death Of 28-Year-Old Male

DrydenWire.com l Tuesday, November 19, 2019

RUSK COUNTY — At 7:52a on Tuesday November 19, 2019, a crash occurred on US 8 EB/WB at Cranberry Lake Road that resulted in the death of a 28-year-old man from Bruce, WI, according to a press release from the Wisconsin State Patrol.

(Press Release) — On Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at approximately 7:52 AM, a Wisconsin State Trooper responded to a two-vehicle crash on US HWY 8 west of Cranberry Lake Road in Rusk County.

A Chevrolet Tahoe was traveling westbound on US HWY 8 when the driver lost control and eventually collided head-on into a Dodge Ram pick-up truck which was traveling eastbound. The driver of the Chevrolet Tahoe received fatal injuries. The driver of the Dodge pick-up truck was transported to a local hospital and treated for incapacitating injuries.

The crash remains under investigation by the Wisconsin State Patrol. Icy road conditions may have been a contributing factor.

Assisting agencies included Rusk County Sheriff’s Office, Rusk County EMS, Lakeview Medical Center EMS, and Weyerhaeuser Fire Department.


Parties Involved

Unit 1: Van/SUV (1997 Chevrolet Tahoe)

  • Driver: Smith, Richard J
    • 28 Year Old Male From Bruce, WI
  • Injuries: Fatal
  • Seatbelt Use: No
  • Alcohol Use: No

Unit 2: Pickup Truck (2014 Dodge Ram)

  • Driver: Peterson, Laura J
    • 64 Year Old Female From Chetek, WI
  • Injuries: Non-Life Threatening
  • Seatbelt Use: Yes
  • Alcohol Use: No
  • Enforcement Action: No

Last Update: Nov 20, 2019 1:48 pm CST

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