CLEAR CREEK, Eau Claire County, Wis., Nov. 12, 2026 — One person died and another was hurt in a two-vehicle crash on Tuesday night, November 10, on Highway 53 in Clear Creek Township, according to the Eau Claire County Sheriff's Office.
The crash happened around 8:50 p.m. on Highway 53 just south of Brackett, between Mallard Road and County Road V, the sheriff's office said. A northbound car and a southbound SUV were involved.
The driver and sole occupant of the northbound car has been identified as 20-year-old Montana Moore of Altoona, Wisconsin. Moore was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver and sole occupant of the southbound SUV has been identified as 35-year-old Taryn Szpara of Withee, Wisconsin. Szpara was hurt in the crash and was taken to an area hospital for evaluation and treatment.
The sheriff's office closed that stretch of Highway 53 for several hours overnight while crews worked the scene, rerouting traffic before reopening the road early Wednesday morning.
The cause of the crash remains under review. We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased, and we wish the injured driver a speedy recovery.
Local Crash Information for Clear Creek, WI
The crash was reported on Highway 53 in Clear Creek. For more crash news from the area, see our latest Eau Claire County crash news.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do fatal-crash investigations usually take?
Investigations can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on how much evidence needs to be reviewed, including vehicle data, witness statements and toxicology results if applicable.
Does impairment play a role in fatal crashes?
Alcohol or drug use is a factor in many fatal crashes nationwide, but whether it played a role in a specific crash is only confirmed once investigators release that finding.
What makes a crash more likely to turn fatal?
Factors like speed, road conditions, time of day and vehicle type can all affect crash severity, though investigators determine the specific cause case by case.
