43-Year-Old Paul Craig Pronounced Dead at the Scene after Single-Vehicle Crash in Vernon County

TOWN OF LIBERTY, Wis. (WEAU) – A tragic accident in Vernon County has claimed the life of one person. On December 3, 2023, a single-vehicle crash occurred in the rural area of Viola, Wis., specifically in the Town of Liberty.

According to a press statement issued by the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office, the incident took place around 10:30 p.m. A deputy sheriff, who was on patrol at the time, noticed that a pickup truck had veered off the south side of State Highway 56, just west of Sportsman Road. It was determined that the vehicle had been traveling east on State Highway 56 before it left the road on the right side in a curve to the left. The truck collided with several small trees, became airborne, and eventually came to rest upright after striking a large tree. Tragically, the driver was trapped inside the vehicle.

Rescue personnel were able to extricate the driver from the wreckage. However, the driver, identified as 43-year-old Paul Craig from Onalaska, Wis., was pronounced dead at the scene, as stated in the press release.

Authorities have initiated an investigation into the crash to determine the cause and any contributing factors. The circumstances leading up to the accident remain unclear at this time.

This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for caution while driving. The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office urges all motorists to remain vigilant and to adhere to traffic laws to prevent such tragedies in the future.

As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of Paul Craig, and our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.

Note: This article is a simplified version and may not include all the details of the original news story.