Crime & Safety
Kenosha County, WI Fatal Crash: Man Dies After Hitting Tree Wednesday
KENOSHA COUNTY, WI — A 57 year old man has died following a serious single vehicle crash …
By Jenna Hartley · 2026-11-12T16:28:10.564Z
KENOSHA COUNTY, WI — A 57 year old man has died following a serious single vehicle crash along U.S. Highway 45 in Kenosha County on Wednesday morning, Nov. 11. Investigators are now examining whether a possible medical emergency contributed to the deadly collision.
According to the Kenosha County Sheriff ’s Office, the crash occurred around 9:52 a.m. Wednesday in the 9800 block of U.S. Highway 45.
Authorities identified the driver as Brian D. Nielsen, 57, who was operating a blue 2017 Ford Escape southbound when the vehicle unexpectedly left the roadway.
Preliminary findings indicate the SUV entered the west ditch, continued traveling through the ditch and eventually struck a tree.
Emergency responders from the Bristol Fire Department arrived at the scene and worked to extricate Nielsen from the damaged vehicle.
He was transported to the Kenosha County Center before being airlifted by Flight For Life to Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee with serious injuries.
Despite emergency medical efforts, Nielsen died from his injuries Wednesday evening. Authorities confirmed that his next of kin has been notified.
Investigators Examine Possible Medical Emergency
The Kenosha County Medical Examiner’s Office is investigating whether Nielsen may have experienced a medical emergency before leaving the roadway.
Officials have not confirmed what caused the crash, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Kenosha County Sheriff David Zoerner expressed condolences to Nielsen’s family and thanked the witnesses and emergency personnel who assisted.
“We are working to determine the circumstances that led to this tragic crash,” Zoerner said in a statement released Thursday, Nov. 12.
The sheriff also acknowledged Bristol Fire and Rescue, Flight For Life and other responding emergency crews.
Authorities have not released additional findings regarding the possible medical emergency or circumstances surrounding the collision.
The investigation remains active, and additional information has not been released