FENNIMORE, WI — A serious two-vehicle collision occurred on July 24, 2025, at approximately 6:59 a.m. on County Highway K near Hilltop Road in Mt. Ida Township, resulting in one driver sustaining severe injuries, according to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

The crash involved a 2006 Saturn Ion driven by Shawn Leffler, 46, of Woodman, and a 2015 Ram 3500 service truck operated by Joseph Freed, 49, of Platteville. Authorities report that Leffler, traveling southbound, crossed the centerline into the northbound lane, leading to a head-on collision between the driver’s side fronts of both vehicles.

Leffler’s Saturn veered off the roadway, coming to rest in a ditch on the west side of County K, while Freed maintained control of his truck and stopped on the road. Both vehicles sustained disabling damage.

Freed, who was wearing his seatbelt, escaped injury. Leffler, however, was not wearing a seatbelt and became trapped in his vehicle. The Fennimore Fire Department extricated him, and Fennimore EMS transported him to Grant Regional Health Center. Due to the severity of his injuries, Leffler was later airlifted to UW-Hospital in Madison via Med-Flight.

The crash caused a one-hour closure of County Highway K. The Wisconsin State Patrol, assisted by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, Fennimore Fire Department, Fennimore EMS, Grant County Highway Department, Bennett’s Automotive and Towing, and Arrow Towing, managed the scene.

Preliminary investigations indicate Leffler will face citations for operating left of center and failing to wear a seatbelt. The Wisconsin State Patrol continues to investigate the incident.

For further information, contact the Grant County Sheriff’s Office or the Wisconsin State Patrol.

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