The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office has released details regarding a serious and fatal crash that occurred early Thursday morning in the Town of Trenton. The incident involved two vehicles and resulted in the death of a local woman and critical injuries to a man.
Samantha Pavelka car accident
According to the sheriff’s office, the crash was reported just before 6 a.m. along County Highway A, north of Breezy Point Road. Authorities say that a 2011 BMW Alpina, traveling southbound, crossed the center line and collided head-on with a northbound 2017 Kia Sorento in what is described as a devastating accident.
The driver of the BMW was identified as 46-year-old Christopher Murphy, a resident of Portage. Emergency responders arrived swiftly at the scene, and due to the severity of his injuries, Murphy was airlifted by UW Med Flight to Aurora Summit Hospital. As of Friday, his condition remains critical.
The other driver involved, 35-year-old Samantha Pavelka of Beaver Dam, was behind the wheel of the Kia Sorento. She was rushed to Marshfield Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. Tragically, Pavelka later succumbed to her injuries, marking a heartbreaking loss for the Beaver Dam community.
The crash has prompted an ongoing investigation by local authorities. Details such as the cause of the BMW crossing the center line are still being determined. Factors such as road conditions, driver impairment, or mechanical failure have not yet been ruled out or confirmed.
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office has urged anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has additional information to come forward to assist with the investigation. As investigators continue to piece together the events leading to the collision, the focus remains on understanding how this tragic accident occurred to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
The community has been left shaken by the severity of the crash and the tragic loss of Samantha Pavelka. Friends, family, and residents in Beaver Dam and surrounding areas have expressed their condolences and grief. Support services and counseling are being made available for those affected by the tragedy.
This incident underscores the dangers of early morning driving and the importance of road safety. Authorities remind drivers to remain vigilant, obey traffic laws, and avoid distractions or impairments while behind the wheel.
As the investigation continues, the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office has not announced any charges or citations related to the crash. The priority remains providing support to the victims’ families and ensuring a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the collision.
