Crime & Safety
Dodge County, WI Fatal Crash: Victim Identified in Tuesday Update
Elba, WI – Authorities have released the names of two drivers involved in a deadly collision between a semi truck and an SUV in Dodge County, Wisconsin, as investigators continue examining the crash t
By Mara Ellison · 2026-10-13T16:01:35.382Z
Elba, WI – Authorities have released the names of two drivers involved in a deadly collision between a semi truck and an SUV in Dodge County, Wisconsin, as investigators continue examining the crash that killed a 77 year old man last week.
According to the Dodge County Sheriff 's Office, an update released Tuesday, October 13, identified the GMC SUV driver as Randall Gerhardt and the semi truck driver as Tyler Melton.
The fatal collision occurred Thursday, October 8, at approximately 6:58 a.m. at the intersection of State Highway 16/60 and County Road BB in the town of Elba, near Columbus.
Investigators said the GMC SUV was traveling westbound on Highway 16/60 when a semi truck hauling a tractor trailer approached the intersection southbound on County Road BB.
According to the initial investigation, the semi failed to stop at a posted stop sign and struck the SUV.
Gerhardt, previously described by authorities as a 77 year old Jefferson resident, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Melton, identified as a 28 year old Waterloo resident, was transported to Prairie Ridge Hospital with minor injuries.
Highway 16/60 remained closed for nearly three hours while the Dodge County Crash Investigation Team examined the scene.
Authorities also reported a separate crash during the emergency response. A motorist struck a Dodge County Sheriff's Office community service officer's vehicle while the officer was directing traffic near Highway 16/60 and County Highway T.
The officer was transported to Prairie Ridge Hospital with suspected minor injuries. Wisconsin State Patrol is investigating that separate incident.
The sheriff's office emphasized the importance of remaining alert near emergency scenes and avoiding distracted driving.
As of Tuesday's update, the fatal collision remained under investigation by the Dodge County Sheriff's Office and Dodge County Medical Examiner's Office. Authorities have not announced additional findings.