STODDARD, WI — Vernon County authorities have released more information about a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 35 that killed a rural Genoa man earlier this month. The collision happened July 10 about 1:30 p.m. in the Town of Bergen, south of Stoddard.
Sheriff Roy Torgerson said the crash happened after Aaron J. Malin, 48, turned right from Mohawk Valley Road and headed north on Highway 35. Investigators believe Malin crossed the centerline and hit a southbound 2018 GMC Yukon about 50 yards north of the intersection.
How the crash unfolded
Authorities identified the driver of the Yukon as Adam John Sutter, 45, of Prairie du Chien. A 48-year-old female passenger in the SUV was not hurt.
Malin was pinned in his vehicle and had to be freed by the Stoddard-Bergen Fire Department. Sutter also was injured and removed from his vehicle before both men were taken by Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance to Emplify Health in La Crosse.
Victim died in hospital
Malin died at the hospital on July 11 from injuries from the crash. Sutter was treated and later released, according to authorities.
The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office and Vernon County Coroner Betty Nigh are still investigating the crash. The Wisconsin State Patrol Technical Reconstruction Unit assisted at the scene, along with several local fire and law enforcement agencies.
Road closure and response
Highway 35 was closed for about five and a half hours while crews responded and investigators processed the scene. Torgerson thanked nearby highway construction crews for helping direct traffic during the closure.
In a statement, Torgerson offered condolences to Malin’s family and thanked first responders and bystanders for helping at the crash scene. He said their actions showed courage, compassion and professionalism.
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