Fatal Crash On HWY 53 In Washburn County

**UPDATE** Authorities Release Name Of Deceased In Fatal Washburn County Crash

WASHBURN COUNTY -- A crash on HWY 53 on Thursday morning has resulted in a death, according to a press release from the Washburn County Sheriff's Office.

Press Release

On June 3, 2021, at about 5:23 a.m., Washburn County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch received a report of a truck versus semi accident on Highway 53 near Pierce Road in Sarona Township.

Washburn County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded with the assistance of Spooner Police Department, Barron County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin State Patrol, North Memorial Ambulance, LMC Ambulance, Life Link Air Care, and Shell Lake Fire Department.

Initial investigation into the accident shows that a passenger truck operated by a 34-year-old male from the Spooner area was southbound on Highway 53 and drifted into the median and struck a signpost. The passenger truck continued and struck an embankment causing the passenger truck to begin to roll as it entered northbound traffic. As the passenger truck entered northbound traffic a Jennie-) semi that was northbound attempted to avoid the passenger truck. The passenger truck struck the side of the semi.

Lifesaving measures were initiated by witnesses that were in the area at the time of the crash until Law Enforcement, and Emergency Medical Technicians arrived. The male patient from the passenger truck was transported by EMTs to Life Link Helicopter that was staged nearby.

Despite the lifesaving efforts of all involved, the male from the passenger truck succumbed to his injuries. The drive or the semi was treated on scene and released.

The name of the victim is being withheld pending family notification completion. The Washburn County Coroner's Office will also be completing an investigation. At this time there is no evidence of any outside contributing factors causing the accident.

Washburn County Sheriff’s Office, and the Washburn County Coroner's Office investigations are still pending.