A tragic accident near Crivitz, Wisconsin, on Saturday evening resulted in the deaths of two teenagers and left two others seriously injured. The incident occurred when a single vehicle, driven by a 16-year-old from Menominee, Michigan, failed to navigate a curve on County Highway G, leading to a collision with a tree.
According to the Marinette County Sheriff's Office, Landen J. Englund, the driver, sustained fatal injuries in the crash. The front-seat passenger, 17-year-old Princeton J. Welty from Crivitz, also died at the scene. The other two passengers, one of whom was ejected from the vehicle, were rushed to the hospital with serious injuries.
The investigation into the crash indicates that speed was a contributing factor. The crash was reported to the Marinette County Dispatch around 10:55 p.m. on August 29, with the coordinates of the incident on Highway G in the Town of Lake provided. Another call was received shortly thereafter, reporting the single-vehicle crash near Loomis Road.
Sheriff Randy Miller of the Marinette County Sheriff's Office addressed the release of the teenagers' names and the speculation about the families' notification status on social media. "Unfortunately, we cannot always wait that long since people post on social media, often with inaccurate information, without waiting for an official release," Miller explained.
The Menominee Area Public School District posted a message to families and staff on August 30, confirming that a former student, who had recently transferred schools, died in the crash. Another former student of the district was seriously injured. The district expressed its deepest condolences to the families and the school community, noting that the loss can have a profound impact.
The district also announced that additional mental health professionals and support resources would be available for students when they return to school on Monday, September 8. Superintendent Drew Buyarski encouraged families to speak with their children about how they are feeling.
Princeton Welty, one of the deceased, had an active presence on social media through his Hudl account, indicating that he played basketball in Crivitz. The Crivitz School District, which begins classes on September 8, has not yet issued a statement regarding the tragic incident.
The crash remains under investigation by the Marinette County Sheriff's Office. The community of Crivitz is grappling with the sudden loss of young lives and the injuries sustained by others involved in the accident. As the investigation continues, the community will undoubtedly seek answers and support in the face of this tragedy.
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