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One killed in two-vehicle crash on U.S. 51 near Eagle River
A 34-year-old man from Three Lakes died after his pickup crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a dump truck.
Jan. 27, 2026 at 9:15pm
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A 34-year-old man from Three Lakes died Tuesday after his pickup crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a dump truck on U.S. Highway 51 in Vilas County, Wisconsin. The crash occurred around 10:26 a.m. on northbound U.S. 51 near Trapp Road in the Town of Arbor Vitae. The pickup driver was pronounced dead at the scene, while the 23-year-old dump truck driver from Green Bay was not injured.
Why it matters
Fatal car crashes on rural highways are an ongoing concern in Wisconsin, with distracted or impaired driving often cited as contributing factors. This incident highlights the importance of safe driving practices and vehicle maintenance to prevent such tragic outcomes.
The details
Investigators said the 34-year-old man was driving a 1993 Chevrolet pickup southbound when he lost control, crossed the centerline, and struck a northbound 2001 Kenworth dump truck. The pickup driver was not wearing a seatbelt and was pronounced dead at the scene. The dump truck driver was uninjured.
- The crash occurred around 10:26 a.m. on January 27, 2026.
The players
34-year-old man from Three Lakes
The driver of the 1993 Chevrolet pickup who was killed in the crash.
23-year-old driver from Green Bay
The driver of the 2001 Kenworth dump truck who was not injured in the collision.
What’s next
The Wisconsin State Patrol is investigating the crash and conducting a reconstruction. Troopers are also completing a post-crash inspection of the commercial vehicle.
The takeaway
This tragic incident underscores the importance of safe driving practices, especially on rural highways where high speeds and limited visibility can increase the risk of head-on collisions. It also highlights the need for continued efforts to improve road safety and reduce fatal crashes in Wisconsin.
