VILAS COUNTY, Wis. — A deadly head-on collision on U.S. Highway 51 in Vilas County claimed the life of a Three Lakes man Tuesday, according to authorities. The crash happened just south of Trapp Road in the town of Arbor Vitae, an area roughly 20 miles west of Eagle River, and drew a large emergency response as investigators worked to piece together what led to the fatal impact.
The Wisconsin State Patrol identified the victim as Edward Cervenansky, 34, of Three Lakes. Troopers said Cervenansky was driving southbound on U.S. Highway 51 when his vehicle suddenly veered out of control. The circumstances leading up to the loss of control remain unclear, and investigators are continuing to examine the roadway and surrounding conditions at the time of the crash.
According to preliminary reports, Cervenansky’s 1993 Chevrolet GMT-400 crossed the centerline and entered the northbound lane, where it collided head-on with a 2001 Kenworth dump truck. The impact was described as severe. Emergency responders arrived to find significant damage to both vehicles, and Cervenansky was pronounced dead at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash.
Authorities confirmed that Cervenansky was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision. While investigators have not yet said whether seatbelt use would have changed the outcome, officials continue to stress the importance of wearing restraints, noting that they significantly reduce the risk of fatal injuries in serious crashes.
The driver of the Kenworth dump truck was identified as 23-year-old Wyatt Fendryk of Green Bay. Troopers said Fendryk was not injured in the collision and remained at the scene to cooperate with authorities. No other vehicles were involved in the crash, and there have been no reports of hazardous materials or additional roadway dangers following the incident.
The Wisconsin State Patrol has launched a full investigation into the crash, including a detailed reconstruction of the collision and a post-accident inspection of the commercial vehicle involved. Troopers will review physical evidence, vehicle data, and witness statements to determine what caused Cervenansky’s vehicle to cross into oncoming traffic. The crash remains under investigation, and authorities have not released further details as they continue working to understand the events that led to this tragic loss of life.
