Fatal US 41 Collision with Snowplow Claims Life of Sarah M. Yedynak, 29, in Oconto County, Wisconsin

Modified Date: 
Tue, 02/04/2025 - 8:46am
Accident Date: 
Sunday, February 2, 2025

One dead after crashing into snowplow on US 41 in Oconto County

Upon arrival, officers determined that a 2012 Cadillac CTS had lost control, ultimately crashing into the back of a snowplow in the left turn lane.

Driver dead after hitting snowplow on I-41

The plow was stopped in the left turn lane when the driver of a 2012 Cadillac CTS struck it, according to a WSP release Sunday afternoon.

Driver who died after crashing into a snowplow in Oconto identified

The driver of the Cadillac, 26-year-old Sarah M. Yedynak from Oconto, was pronounced dead at the scene while the snowplow driver, 50-year-old Michael W. Conlon from Oconto, was not hurt in the crash.

A tragic collision occurred early Sunday morning on US Highway 41 in Oconto County, Wisconsin, resulting in one fatality. At approximately 8:00 a.m., a 2012 Cadillac CTS traveling southbound near Frog Pond Road lost control and collided with a snowplow that was positioned in the left turn lane. Wisconsin State Patrol deputies responded promptly to the scene after receiving reports of the two-vehicle crash. Upon their arrival, emergency responders found that the driver of the Cadillac had sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The operator of the snowplow emerged from the incident without injury. The presence of emergency vehicles and investigation teams necessitated temporary traffic management measures in the southbound lanes of US 41 while authorities documented the scene and cleared the wreckage.

Location and Infrastructure

The collision occurred on a critical stretch of US Highway 41, a major north-south arterial route that serves as a vital transportation corridor through Oconto County. The area near Frog Pond Road intersection is characterized by its rural setting but maintains significant traffic volume as a primary connection between Green Bay and northern Wisconsin communities. This section of US 41 typically accommodates both local and long-distance traffic, with dedicated turn lanes at major intersections to facilitate safe turning movements. The highway's design includes wide shoulders and multiple lanes in each direction, though winter weather conditions can create challenging driving scenarios despite regular maintenance efforts. The proximity to Green Bay, approximately 30 miles south, makes this stretch particularly busy during peak commuting hours.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Wisconsin state law, fatal motor vehicle accidents trigger specific legal protocols and considerations for all parties involved. Wisconsin follows a modified comparative negligence system, where parties can seek compensation if they are found to be 51% or less at fault for the accident. The state's wrongful death statute (Wis. Stat. § 895.04) allows designated family members to pursue claims within three years of the date of death. Relevant insurance considerations may include personal injury protection, liability coverage, and potential governmental immunity issues when accidents involve municipal vehicles such as snowplows. Compensation could encompass medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of future earnings, and non-economic damages such as loss of companionship. Complex liability questions may arise regarding governmental vehicle operations during winter weather conditions. An experienced Oconto personal injury lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Related Resources:

  • Oconto County Sheriff's Department: Emergency response and accident reports
  • Wisconsin State Patrol - Northeast Region: Traffic incident investigation and highway safety
  • Wisconsin Department of Transportation: Winter driving safety guidelines and road condition updates
  • Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance: Information on auto insurance requirements and claims processes
  • Wisconsin Law Library: Access to state traffic laws and regulations
  • Brown County Victim/Witness Services: Support services for families affected by fatal accidents
  • Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles: Accident reporting requirements and procedures
Type: Car Accident
People Involved: 
Sarah M. Yedynak
Michael W. Conlon
Roadway: 
US Highway 41