DeForest, WI (July 21, 2025) – A deadly series of crashes took place early Sunday, July 20, on Interstate 39 near DeForest.
The first crash happened around 12:03 a.m. when a Chevrolet Suburban driver headed the wrong way. The Suburban collided head-on with a Volkswagen Tiguan.
The Chevrolet caught fire after the crash. Emergency crews rescued the 30-year-old female driver from Portage. She had non-life-threatening injuries and was arrested on suspicion of OWI.
Tragically, an 18-year-old female passenger inside the Volkswagen died at the scene. The 19-year-old male driver was flown to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Both victims were from Minnesota.
As police worked the scene, a second crash occurred. A driver in an Acura TL crossed the yellow line and struck a DeForest Police squad car. The car was fully lit and parked on the shoulder. Thankfully, the squad car was empty. The 23-year-old Acura driver from McFarland and his 23-year-old female passenger from Oconomowoc suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The driver was arrested for OWI.
Five people in total were injured, and multiple agencies helped at the scene. Officials have not released victim names.
Police are continuing their investigation to learn more about what happened. We extend our sincere wishes for recovery to those injured in this incident.
Drunk Driving Crashes in Wisconsin
Alcohol-related crashes are a tragic problem in Wisconsin, especially on highways like I-39. Every year, too many lives are lost because of drivers making poor choices. Sadly, wrong-way crashes caused by drunk drivers often lead to serious injuries or death because of the speed and force of head-on collisions.
Wisconsin sees a higher rate of drunk driving than many other states. According to Wisconsin DOT data, hundreds of people are killed or badly hurt in OWI crashes each year. Law enforcement works hard to stop these drivers, but many accidents still happen. Nighttime and weekends are the most dangerous times for these types of crashes.
Victims of these accidents can face huge medical bills, long recovery times, and even permanent injuries. Family members who lose loved ones in fatal crashes suffer terrible emotional pain. In both cases, a personal injury lawyer from Konstantakis Law Office can help injured victims or grieving families take legal action.
Legal help can allow victims to claim compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. A lawyer can also help families file wrongful death claims when a loved one is killed.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a drunk driving crash in Dane County or anywhere in Wisconsin, don’t wait to get legal help. Call our skilled attorneys at Konstantakis Law Office, LLC, today at 414-427-6181 to schedule a free consultation and get the support you need.
Notes: This article is based on reports from publicly available sources, including news outlets, police dispatches, and eyewitness statements. Konstantakis Law Office has not independently verified every detail of the reported incident. If you notice any errors or would like to request a correction or removal, please contact us and we will respond promptly.
Disclaimer: Accessing or reading this post does not establish an attorney-client relationship with Konstantakis Law Office. The content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For guidance specific to your situation, we encourage you to consult with a qualified attorney. While we strive to report accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding its completeness or applicability.
