Fatal Single-Vehicle Crash Claims Life of Jacob Bruneau on Rural Pembine Roadway in Marinette County, Wisconsin

Modified Date: 
Sun, 05/11/2025 - 8:35am
Accident Date: 
Friday, May 9, 2025

One dead after one-vehicle crash in Pembine

An investigation revealed that the vehicle, driven by 44-year-old Jacob Bruneau of Pembine, was going east on Cemetery Road when it left the roadway on a curve and collided with a tree.

 

On Friday afternoon, a tragic one-vehicle accident resulted in a fatality in the rural Town of Pembine, Marinette County, Wisconsin. The incident occurred just before 2:30 p.m. at the intersection of Cemetery Road and Short Cut Road, where 44-year-old Jacob Bruneau of Pembine lost control of his vehicle while traveling east on Cemetery Road. According to preliminary investigations by the Marinette County Sheriff's Office, the vehicle veered off the roadway on a curve and collided violently with a tree. Emergency responders immediately dispatched Guardian Life Flight to transport Bruneau from the scene, but tragically, he succumbed to his injuries. Multiple local emergency services, including Beecher-Dunbar-Pembine Fire, Pembine-Dunbar-Beecher Rescue, and Integrity Care EMS, responded to the critical incident, with Tim Witt Chevrolet Towing assisting at the scene.

Location and Infrastructure

Cemetery Road, located in the rural Town of Pembine, is characteristic of many rural Wisconsin roadways—narrow, with potential challenging curves and limited visibility. The area is known for its rural landscape, with minimal traffic control devices and roads that wind through forested terrain. Such rural roads often present unique driving challenges, including uneven surfaces, limited shoulder space, and sharp turns that require heightened driver attention. The intersection with Short Cut Road represents a particularly complex traffic area, where drivers must navigate carefully to maintain vehicle control. Local road conditions can be significantly impacted by seasonal changes, with weather and natural elements potentially creating additional hazards for motorists.

Legal Rights and Considerations

In Wisconsin, motor vehicle accidents involving potential driver negligence are subject to specific legal frameworks. While the investigation is ongoing, preliminary findings suggest speed and loss of vehicle control as potential factors. Potential legal considerations may include exploring claims related to road design, vehicle maintenance, or driver conduct. Victims' families might be entitled to various forms of compensation, potentially covering medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and funeral costs. Wisconsin's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically three years from the date of the incident, though precise timelines can vary depending on specific circumstances. Insurance considerations may involve comprehensive investigation of the accident's root causes and potential liability determinations.

Related Resources

Emergency Services

  • Marinette County Sheriff's Office: (715) 732-7600
  • Pembine-Dunbar-Beecher Rescue
  • Beecher-Dunbar-Pembine Fire Department

Traffic Safety Resources

  • Wisconsin Department of Transportation Safety Resources
  • Marinette County Traffic Safety Division
  • Wisconsin Crash Report Information

Support Services

  • Marinette County Victim Support Services
  • Wisconsin Trauma Survivors Network
  • Local Grief Counseling Resources

Legal and Regulatory Information

  • Wisconsin Motor Vehicle Accident Laws
  • Marinette County Court Resources
  • Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles Accident Reporting

Note: This report is based on preliminary information and is intended for public awareness. The investigation by the Marinette County Sheriff's and Medical Examiner's offices is ongoing.

Type: Car Accident
People Involved: 
Jacob Bruneau
Roadway: 
Cemetery Road