Amery, WI (April 19, 2025) – A tragic two-vehicle crash in rural Polk County claimed the life of an 18-year-old Minnesota resident on Tuesday morning. The collision occurred around 10:40 a.m. at the intersection of Hwy 65 and County Rd F near Amery, prompting a significant emergency response from Polk County deputies, fire personnel, and medical teams.
Emergency responders arrived to find a devastating scene. The teen driver, identified by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office as Marley John Mickelsen of Lino Lakes, MN, was pronounced dead at the scene. According to the ongoing investigation, Mickelsen was driving eastbound and failed to stop at the intersection, entering the path of a southbound pickup truck.
The pickup collided forcefully with the driver’s side of Mickelsen’s vehicle, resulting in fatal injuries. Two individuals inside the pickup were seriously injured and transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital. As of Friday morning, their names and updated conditions have not been released.
This heartbreaking loss marks another painful reminder of the dangers rural intersections can pose. The incident remains under investigation by local authorities.
Our hearts go out to the family of Marley Mickelsen and to the injured victims. We send our deepest condolences and prayers for healing and strength.
Fatal Intersection Collisions in Wisconsin
Intersections on rural highways like Hwy 65 and County Rd F often lack the visibility, traffic signals, or traffic volume controls found in more urban settings. Tragically, this can lead to devastating consequences, especially when one vehicle fails to yield or stop. The crash involving 18-year-old Marley Mickelsen highlights these dangers in one of western Wisconsin’s many rural corridors.
While the exact reasons the teen did not stop are still under investigation, such incidents are often associated with momentary distraction, misjudgment, or unfamiliarity with local roadways. Sadly, crashes involving younger drivers are disproportionately fatal due to inexperience and more severe side-impact injuries, especially at highway speeds.
The pickup’s occupants, though surviving the crash, suffered serious injuries, showing how even properly restrained passengers in a larger vehicle can face life-altering outcomes in these high-impact collisions.
In the aftermath of a fatal crash, families are often left not only grieving but also navigating medical bills, insurance complexities, and long-term emotional trauma. For survivors, physical rehabilitation and psychological recovery are often prolonged.
At Local Accident Reports, we aim to be a source of support for victims and their loved ones during the most difficult times. If you or your family have been impacted by a collision like the one in Polk County, you’re not alone. Reach out to us today to find out how we can assist with access to medical, legal, and emotional resources as you begin the journey to healing.
