Polk County, WI – A tragic two-vehicle crash in rural Wisconsin claimed the life of a 40-year-old woman and left another driver seriously injured on the evening of May 3, 2025. The crash occurred at approximately 7:41 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 8 and Highway 65 in Polk County, a region that has seen a troubling number of recent fatal collisions.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the collision involved a truck with a trailer traveling northbound on Highway 65 and a passenger vehicle heading westbound on Highway 8. Authorities reported that the truck failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection, which resulted in the westbound vehicle crashing into it.

The driver of the truck, Melissa Johnson, a 40-year-old resident of rural Luck, Wisconsin, was pronounced dead at the scene. The other driver, whose identity has not yet been released, sustained serious injuries and was airlifted by Life Link III to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota.

“This tragic accident is a stark reminder of how critical it is to obey traffic signs, especially at rural intersections where high-speed cross traffic is common,” said a spokesperson from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Ongoing Investigation

Emergency responders from several agencies including the Wisconsin State Patrol, Luck Fire Department, and Northland Ambulance assisted at the scene. The road was closed for several hours while accident reconstruction teams worked to determine the exact sequence of events.

The Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that both vehicles were occupied solely by their respective drivers. As of now, no citations have been issued, and the investigation remains ongoing.

To track updates or find traffic safety guidelines, the public is encouraged to visit the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) website: wisconsindot.gov.

Recent Tragedies Highlight Dangerous Intersection

This crash is not an isolated incident. On April 15, 2025, a similar crash occurred at State Highway 65 and County Highway F, also in Polk County. That crash involved an 18-year-old driver who reportedly ran a stop sign and was struck by a pickup truck. The teen died, and both occupants in the truck were seriously injured (KSTP News).

The series of fatal accidents in this region is prompting local authorities to reevaluate traffic controls and signage at rural intersections, many of which are controlled only by stop signs. Law enforcement officials are also urging drivers to remain vigilant, avoid distractions, and slow down as they approach rural crossways.

Safety Tips and Resources

Drivers are reminded to follow these key safety tips when approaching intersections:

• Always obey traffic control signs: Stop completely and look in all directions.
• Avoid distractions: Do not use mobile phones or other devices while driving.
• Reduce speed: Especially at rural intersections with limited visibility.
• Drive sober: Alcohol or drug impairment significantly increases crash risk.

You can learn more about driving safety at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): www.nhtsa.gov.

Community Response

Local residents expressed sadness at the loss of life and growing concern over roadway safety. A small roadside memorial has been set up near the intersection where Johnson lost her life. Community members are also calling for improvements such as flashing warning lights or a possible four-way stop configuration at the accident site.

Polk County officials said they are reviewing accident data from recent years to determine whether infrastructure improvements are needed at known trouble spots.

Conclusion

Melissa Johnson’s untimely death and the critical injury of another driver mark another grim chapter in a series of fatal collisions across Wisconsin’s rural highways. As investigations continue, law enforcement, transportation authorities, and community members alike are pushing for renewed focus on road safety and infrastructure upgrades to prevent further tragedies.

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