One Person Killed in One Vehicle Accident in Wood County

Wednesday, April 15th, 2026 -- 1:01 PM

On April 13, 2026, at approximately 5:09 pm, Wood County Communication Center received a call regarding a one vehicle accident on State Highway 73, near Apple Road, in the Township of Sigel.

Wood County Sheriff's Department, Wood County Rescue, Vesper Fire Department / First Responders, United Emergency Ambulance Service, Wisconsin State Patrol and Nieman's Towing and Recovery responded to the scene.

Initial investigation revealed a pickup truck, driven by 55-year-old Matthew Whiteley from Plainfield, had been traveling southbound on State Highway 73, left the roadway, and entered the south ditch of State Highway 73.

The vehicle had overturned in the ditch, causing the female passenger, 57-year-old Lori Whiteley of Plainfield, to eject from the vehicle. Emergency medical personnel rendered aid to her and transported her to Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

She received fatal injuries from the accident and was pronounced deceased on April 14, 2026. This incident remains under further investigation with the help of Wisconsin State Patrol.

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