Early Monday in the Town of Mecan, a UTV ride ended in tragedy when the vehicle veered off a Marquette County roadway and slammed into the woods, killing the driver at the scene, according to the Marquette County Sheriff’s Office.
Crash Details And Response
Deputies were called just after 4 a.m. to the intersection of Fern Drive and 22nd Lane following a 911 report of a single-vehicle crash. According to WMTV, investigators say the UTV had been traveling north on 22nd Lane when it left the road, continued through the Fern Drive intersection and into a wooded area, where it hit multiple trees.
The driver was pronounced dead at the scene and has not yet been publicly identified. The Marquette County Sheriff’s Office said several agencies helped at the crash site, including the Princeton and Montello fire departments, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Marquette County Emergency Management and the Waushara County Medical Examiner’s Office. Authorities say the crash remains under investigation and have not released information on what may have caused the wreck.
State Safety Context
The fatal crash comes as state officials continue to warn about the risks tied to off highway riding. In a July 24, 2025 news release, the Wisconsin DNR reported that UTVs made up the majority of ATV and UTV fatalities statewide, with rollovers and a lack of seatbelt use cited as common factors. The agency urges riders to complete DNR approved safety training and to wear seatbelts on every ride to lower the chance of serious injury or death.
Investigation Ongoing
Marquette County deputies say the case is still active and no additional details have been released. Local officials have not identified the victim, and the Waushara County Medical Examiner’s Office was among the agencies listed as assisting on scene. Hoodline will update this report as authorities share more information.
