Kathleen Wegner, Lee Wegner Obituary, Death; – Authorities have confirmed the identities of the two individuals who lost their lives in a three-vehicle accident on Wednesday as 79-year-old Kathleen Wegner and 82-year-old Lee Wegner, both residents of Merrill.
The incident, which resulted in injuries to two other individuals, was reported around 3:45 p.m. on October 23, following multiple calls to 911. Initial investigations indicate that a 23-year-old driver was traveling north on Highway 17 at Barnes Creek when a southbound pickup truck collided with the first pickup, according to police reports.
Kathleen and Lee Wegner, who were occupants of the SUV, were pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the first pickup sustained critical injuries and was transported to Aspirus Wausau Hospital, where officials anticipate a recovery. Meanwhile, the 32-year-old driver of the second pickup received treatment for minor injuries and was released at the crash site.
Highway 17 was closed for over five hours as investigators worked to clear the area. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department received assistance from the Merrill Police Department, Merrill Fire Department, Lincoln County Highway Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin DOT, and the Lincoln County Coroner. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
