Fort Winnebago, WI (July 4, 2026) – An elderly woman lost her life after a head-on crash involving a small SUV and a passenger car on Thursday afternoon, July 2, on County Highway CM near Links Road in the Town of Fort Winnebago.
Official reports said emergency units responded to the scene at about 2:39 p.m. after a 911 call and an automated crash notification reported the collision with airbag deployment. A preliminary investigation found that a small SUV driven by a 22-year-old woman from Portage was traveling westbound on County Highway CM.
An 89-year-old man from Dalton was driving a passenger car eastbound with two passengers, an 87-year-old woman from Dalton and an 89-year-old woman from Portage. Investigators said evidence at the scene indicated the SUV crossed the center line, resulting in a head-on collision.
The 89-year-old woman riding in the passenger car was flown to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. The SUV driver suffered minor injuries and also called 911 after the crash. Officials have not released the names of those involved.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased.
What Is Typically Reviewed After a Head-On Collision?
Head-on collisions are among the most severe types of traffic crashes because the force of impact is concentrated between vehicles traveling in opposite directions. Reviews commonly focus on lane position, vehicle speed, roadway markings, visibility, and any physical evidence left at the scene, such as tire marks or debris. These details help establish how the vehicles came together.
Investigators may also examine vehicle damage, electronic data from newer models, and witness accounts to better understand the sequence of events. Weather, lighting, and road surface conditions can also provide useful context. Medical findings and crash scene documentation may further help explain the extent of injuries and the overall circumstances surrounding the collision.
