A Memorial Day automobile collision in Barron County has left a community in mourning as two teenagers, Payton Bleskacek, 14, and Simon Loga, 13, lost their lives. The tragic incident occurred on May 29, and the aftermath of the collision has deeply affected families and friends.
At 5:52 p.m. on Memorial Day, deputies responded to a two-vehicle collision on Highway 25 at County Road A north of Ridgeland. The collision involved a van driven by a 54-year-old Rice Lake man and a vehicle driven by Brody Bleskacek, 17, of Elmwood, according to a news release from the Barron County Sheriff’s Office.
Brody Bleskacek, accompanied by his stepbrothers Simon Loga, 13, and Seth Loga, 17, was traveling westbound on County Road A. The van, driven by the 54-year-old, was traveling north on Highway 25. Tragically, Payton Bleskacek lost his life, succumbing to his injuries on June 2nd.
Brody Bleskacek sustained severe injuries but has since been discharged. Seth Loga remains in critical condition after being transported by helicopter to a medical facility in Eau Claire. The driver of the van, a Spooner resident and father to some passengers, was pronounced dead at the scene. Other van passengers, ranging in age from eight to fifty-four, suffered moderate to severe injuries.
A deputy who responded to the scene and aided individuals attempting to exit the van, which caught fire after overturning in a ravine, was treated for smoke inhalation and released from a local hospital.
The collision prompted an extensive response from local organizations, including ambulances, fire departments, and helicopters. The investigation into the collision is ongoing, with the Wisconsin State Patrol reconstructing the crash site, and assistance provided by the Barron County Medical Examiner’s office.
The entire Elmwood Middle School community, as well as the broader community affected by this tragedy, grieves the loss of Payton Bleskacek and Simon Loga. Thoughts and condolences are extended to the families and friends affected by this devastating incident.
Categories: News
Source: vothisaucamau.edu.vn
