UPDATE 1.17.2020:
The driver of the SUV who died as a result of the head on vehicle accident on January 2nd is identified as 45 year old Chad B. Olson of Rib Lake Wi. The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office investigation into what caused Olson to drift into the opposite lane of traffic and into path of a semi-truck has been concluded. The result of the investigation indicates that Olson was using his cell phone at the time of the accident. This cell phone usage was likely the cause or strong contributing factor to the vehicle drifting into oncoming traffic.
01.02.2020 : At 2:20 p.m. today (Thursday) the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting a two vehicle accident located approximately 9 miles north of the city of Medford on State Highway 13 in the Town Of Chelsea, Taylor County. Sheriff’s Deputies along with fire and ambulance services were dispatched.
Upon arrival deputies found a head on two vehicle accident resulting in one fatality.
Preliminary investigation coupled with witness information indicates the victim was driving an SUV and was south bound on State Highway 13. The SUV drifted into the north bound lane directly in the path of an approaching semi-truck. The semi and the victim’s vehicle collided head on resulting in the death of the SUV driver. The semi driver was not injured and is cooperating with the investigation.
It is unknown at this time why or what caused the SUV to drift into the opposite lane. The investigation is ongoing.
