UPDATED: Driver killed in head-on crash with semi identified

STAR JOURNAL REPORT

A 45-year-old Merrill man was killed Wednesday afternoon when the automobile he was driving collided head-on with a semi truck along Highway 8 near Detienne Road in the town of Crescent.

Oneida County captain Terri Hook said the preliminary investigation appeared to indicate the automobile was traveling east on the highway and crossed into the westbound lane, striking the semi truck head-on.

Hook said the driver of the automobile, who has been identified as Daniel Erickson, was the only occupant and died at the scene, while the semi driver was transported to the hospital.

Upon the accident being reported at approximately 1:40 p.m. Wednesday, the Crescent Fire Department, Crescent First Responders, Rhinelander Fire Department and Oneida County Emergency Medical Services responded to this scene.

The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, the Wisconsin State Patrol and the Oneida County Medical Examiner’s Office are continuing their investigation into the events surrounding the fatal accident.

Highway 8 near the accident scene reopened at approximately 9:50 p.m. Wednesday.