Authorities in Marathon County are investigating a tragic single-vehicle crash that claimed the life of a local resident Saturday evening in the Town of Texas. According to the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, the fatal incident occurred just before 6 p.m., bringing a somber close to an otherwise quiet evening in the rural community. The loss has deeply affected residents, who are mourning the death of 72-year-old William Kibler of Rhinelander.
Deputies and emergency crews responded to the area near County Road W and Alamo Road after receiving reports of a vehicle that had veered off the roadway. When first responders arrived, they found Kibler critically injured inside his vehicle. Despite immediate lifesaving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The intersection, known for light traffic and peaceful surroundings, quickly became the center of a coordinated emergency response.
At this stage, investigators have not identified what caused Kibler’s vehicle to leave the roadway. Single-vehicle crashes can involve a range of factors, from medical emergencies and mechanical failures to roadway hazards or weather conditions. The Sheriff’s Office is working to determine whether any of these potential elements played a role. Investigators will analyze tire tracks, vehicle damage, roadway conditions, and other physical evidence to reconstruct the events leading up to the crash.
Multiple agencies assisted at the scene, including first responders from the Town of Texas, the Town of Texas Fire Department, the City of Wausau Fire Department, and EMS professionals. The Marathon County Medical Examiner’s Office also supported the response, helping document the circumstances surrounding Kibler’s death. Their combined efforts ensured that the area was secured, and necessary investigative procedures were carried out safely and thoroughly.
Local residents expressed sadness upon learning of the fatal crash, noting that the Town of Texas is a close-knit community where unexpected losses resonate deeply. Neighbors described the area as peaceful, making such incidents particularly unsettling. Many shared that rural roadways, while typically quiet, can present unique risks—especially during evening hours when visibility fades, and drivers may encounter wildlife, darker roadways, or abrupt pavement changes.
Authorities emphasized the importance of driver awareness and caution, particularly on rural roads where conditions can shift unexpectedly. Although the exact cause of this crash remains under review, officials hope the community remains mindful of safety practices while traveling. They also extend their condolences to the family and friends of William Kibler as they navigate this difficult time.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office will provide additional information once more details are confirmed. For now, the community continues to rally together, offering support and remembrance for a life lost far too soon.
