A tragic single-vehicle crash early Friday morning claimed the life of a 22-year-old Fond du Lac man when his SUV crashed and caught fire at the intersection of S. National Avenue and Deneveu Circle. The incident occurred at approximately 3:00 a.m., prompting an immediate response from Fond du Lac Police and Fire/Rescue personnel. When first responders arrived at the scene, they found the SUV completely engulfed in flames. After firefighters brought the blaze under control, they discovered the victim in the driver's seat, who had died from injuries sustained in the crash. The investigation revealed that no other individuals were present in the vehicle and no additional vehicles were involved in the collision. Authorities have not yet released the victim's identity, pending notification of family members. The crash prompted an extended road closure of S. National Avenue between Glenwood Drive and Pheasant Drive while police conducted their reconstruction investigation with assistance from the Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office.

Location and Infrastructure

The intersection of S. National Avenue and Deneveu Circle is located in the southern portion of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, near the scenic Deneveu Lake area. This location is situated close to Deneveu Lake, a 30-acre body of water known for its peaceful surroundings and recreational opportunities. S. National Avenue serves as a significant north-south arterial road in the city, carrying both local and through traffic. The City of Fond du Lac maintains specific traffic regulations and control devices throughout its road network, with designated arterial streets and controlled intersections managed according to Wisconsin Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices standards. The area where the crash occurred features a mix of residential and recreational zones, with the nearby lake attracting visitors for fishing, boating, and outdoor activities. The intersection's proximity to recreational areas may contribute to varying traffic patterns, particularly during evening and early morning hours when this incident occurred.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Wisconsin law, families affected by fatal motor vehicle accidents have specific legal rights and time-sensitive considerations. For wrongful death cases arising from motor vehicle accidents, Wisconsin Statute § 893.54(2m) establishes a two-year statute of limitations from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Eligible parties who may file a wrongful death claim include the deceased's spouse or domestic partner, children, parents, or the personal representative of the estate. Wisconsin law caps non-economic damages in wrongful death cases at $500,000 for a minor and $350,000 for an adult, as outlined in Wisconsin Statute § 895.04(4). Potential compensation may include medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future earnings, and loss of companionship. Insurance considerations typically involve the deceased's auto insurance policy, which may provide coverage for medical expenses and other benefits. For standard personal injury or property damage claims related to car accidents, Wisconsin provides a three-year statute of limitations from the date of the accident. Legal counsel should be consulted promptly to ensure all rights are preserved and deadlines are met.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Fond du Lac Police Department - (920) 322-3300
• Fond du Lac Fire/Rescue - (920) 322-3380
• Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office - (920) 929-3390

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Wisconsin Department of Transportation - (608) 266-2353
• Fond du Lac County Highway Department - (920) 929-3053
• Wisconsin State Patrol - (920) 929-3781

Support Services:

• Fond du Lac Family Resource Center - (920) 906-6220
• Wisconsin Crime Victim Services - (608) 264-9494
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - 1-888-327-4236

Legal Resources:

• Wisconsin State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service - (800) 362-9082
• Wisconsin Statutes Online: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/
• Wisconsin Department of Transportation Traffic Laws: https://wisconsindot.gov/safety