On Friday afternoon, a tragic collision occurred in Clintonville, Wisconsin, when an 87-year-old Marion man operating a 2008 Polaris Ranger UTV died following a crash with a pickup truck. According to the Clintonville Police Department, emergency responders were dispatched to the intersection of U.S. Highway 45/West Madison Street and Bennett Street at approximately 12:01 p.m. Initial investigation revealed that the elderly driver was traveling southbound on Bennett Street when he failed to stop at a stop sign, colliding with a westbound 2013 GMC Sierra pickup truck. First responders quickly transported the critically injured UTV operator to the Clintonville Airport for an anticipated ThedaStar helicopter medical evacuation, but unfortunately, he succumbed to his serious and life-threatening injuries before the air ambulance could transport him to a medical facility. The 46-year-old pickup truck driver from Alma Center escaped the incident without injury.

Location and Infrastructure

The collision occurred at a key intersection in Clintonville where Bennett Street meets U.S. Highway 45, also known locally as West Madison Street. This junction represents a critical crosspoint between a local city street and a major north-south federal highway that runs through eastern Wisconsin. The intersection is controlled by stop signs for traffic on Bennett Street, while Highway 45 traffic has the right of way. This area experiences varied traffic patterns with both local residents and through traffic using Highway 45 as a primary transportation corridor. The intersection is situated near Clintonville's western edge, approximately half a mile from downtown Clintonville and close to several commercial establishments. The urban speed limit on Highway 45 through Clintonville contrasts with the higher speeds permitted on the highway outside city limits, creating a transitional zone that requires driver vigilance.

Legal Rights and Considerations

In Wisconsin, failure to yield at a stop sign, as apparent in this case, violates Wisconsin Statute 346.46, which requires complete stops at designated intersections. The family of the deceased may have potential wrongful death claims under Wisconsin law, which allows recovery for loss of companionship, support, and funeral expenses. Wisconsin follows a modified comparative negligence rule (Wisconsin Statute 895.045), meaning compensation may be reduced proportionally to the degree of fault assigned to each party, provided the plaintiff's negligence does not exceed the defendant's. Any legal action would need to be initiated within Wisconsin's three-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims. Insurance considerations include potential claims against the policies of both involved drivers, with Wisconsin's minimum liability requirements being $25,000 for injury to one person and $50,000 for injury to multiple people.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Clintonville Police Department: (715) 823-3117
• Clintonville Area Ambulance Service: (715) 823-5711
• ThedaCare Regional Medical Center: (920) 731-4101

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Wisconsin Department of Transportation Highway Safety: (608) 266-3581
• Waupaca County Traffic Safety Commission
• Wisconsin UTV Safety Certification Program: (888) 936-7463

Support Services:

• Victim Resource Center of Waupaca County: (715) 258-8028
• Wisconsin Department of Health Services Grief Support Resources
• Wisconsin ATV-UTV Association Safety Programs

Legal and Regulatory Information:

• Wisconsin State Patrol - Northeast Region: (920) 929-3700
• Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 346: Rules of the Road
• Wisconsin Off-Highway Vehicle Regulations