A tragic two-vehicle crash occurred early Thursday morning in the Town of Trenton, Dodge County, resulting in the death of 35-year-old Samantha Pavelka of Beaver Dam and critical injuries to 46-year-old Christopher Murphy of Portage.
The accident happened just before 6 a.m. on County Highway A, north of Breezy Point Road, when Murphy’s 2011 BMW Alpina crossed the center line and collided head-on with Pavelka’s northbound 2017 Kia Sorento.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene. Murphy was airlifted to Aurora Summit Hospital by UW Med Flight and remains in critical condition. Pavelka was transported to Marshfield Medical Center with life-threatening injuries but later passed away, leaving a grieving community.
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the crash to determine the cause of Murphy crossing the center line. Factors such as road conditions, driver impairment, or mechanical failure are still being considered. Authorities have asked for witnesses to come forward to aid the investigation.
The incident has deeply affected the local community, with friends, family, and residents expressing their condolences. Support services are being provided to those impacted. Officials emphasize the importance of safe driving, especially during early morning hours, reminding drivers to stay vigilant and obey traffic laws.
No charges or citations have been announced as the investigation continues. The community mourns Pavelka’s loss and hopes for Murphy’s recovery, while coming together to support each other through this difficult time. Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.