Florida Man Dies in Multi-vehicle Accident

A 78-year-old Florida man lost his life in a multi-vehicle accident on Highway 42 north of where Highway 42 and 57 part ways in the Town of Sevastopol.

Two others were transported to Door County Medical Center (DCMC) in Sturgeon Bay for treatment, and one of those was then airlifted to a Green Bay hospital.

Emergency response was dispatched to the serious vehicle crash scene north of Walker Road on Highway 42 on Wednesday, Sept. 21, at 2:43 pm. According to the Door County Sheriff’s Office’s preliminary investigation, a white, 2019 Ford Flex, driven by the 78-year-old Florida man, had been traveling northbound when it crossed the centerline and struck the rear tires of a trailer of a semi that was traveling southbound. 

After striking the trailer, the Ford Flex then struck a black, 2021 Ford Explorer that had been traveling southbound but had pulled onto the shoulder in an attempt to avoid the collision, according to the sheriff’s office’s report. 

The Florida man was pronounced dead at the scene. The Explorer had been driven by a 60-year-old male who was transported to DCMC and then airlifted to Green Bay for treatment. The 53-year-old female who was a passenger in the Explorer was transported to DCMC for treatment. 

The Wisconsin State Patrol Crash Reconstruction Unit was contacted to assist with the crash investigation. The highway, closed for the investigation, was reopened for travel at 8:01 pm.

This is the third fatal car crash in Door County this year. 

Emergency responders for the Sevastopol First Responders, Sturgeon Bay Fire Department, Door County Emergency Services and Door County Highway Department also responded to the scene.

The Brown County Medical Examiner’s Office will be conducting an autopsy Sept. 22 on the deceased driver. The incident remains under investigation.