DUNN COUNTY, WI — A devastating single-vehicle crash in the serene Town of Springbrook has taken the life of 36-year-old Jake Wagner, a beloved resident of the Durand area, as reported by the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident occurred on Saturday night, July 19, 2025, at approximately 9:25 p.m. on 960th Street, just south of 1010th Street. The Dunn County Communication Center received a 911 call reporting a vehicle engulfed in flames with a lone occupant trapped inside. By the time deputies, Elk Mound Fire, Eau Claire Ambulance, and Dunn County First Responders arrived, bystanders had extinguished the fire, which was confined to a single tire. The vehicle, a 1961 Jeep, was found in a ditch after striking a tree, sustaining substantial damage.

Upon reaching the scene, authorities discovered Jake Wagner, the sole occupant, deceased inside the wreckage. He was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, according to the sheriff’s office.

**Preliminary Investigation**

The Dunn County Sheriff’s Office’s initial findings indicate that a mechanical failure may have caused Wagner to lose control of the Jeep. The vehicle, traveling southbound on 960th Street, veered off the roadway, entered the northbound ditch, partially rolled, and collided with a tree before coming to rest. The Dunn County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene and pronounced Wagner deceased. The crash remains under investigation by the sheriff’s office and the medical examiner to determine the precise cause of the mechanical failure and the official cause of death. Foul play is not suspected.

**A Community Mourns Jake Wagner**

Jake Wagner’s sudden passing has left the Durand-area community in profound grief. Known for his vibrant spirit, Wagner was a devoted father, son, and friend whose presence brightened the lives of those around him. An avid outdoorsman, he found joy in hunting, fishing, and working on vehicles, often lending his mechanical skills to help neighbors and friends. His infectious laughter and generous nature were hallmarks of a life lived with purpose.

“He was the guy who’d drop everything to help you out,” shared a close friend. “Jake loved the woods, his family, and just being there for people. His heart was huge.”

The tragedy of the suspected mechanical failure is particularly poignant, as friends noted Wagner’s meticulous care with vehicles. The loss underscores the unpredictability of life, even for someone as cautious and capable as Wagner.

**Community Support and Remembrance**

In the wake of the crash, the community has rallied to honor Wagner’s memory. Flowers, candles, and heartfelt notes have been placed along 960th Street near the crash site, creating a makeshift memorial. A GoFundMe page has been established by friends to assist Wagner’s family with funeral expenses and to celebrate his legacy, reflecting the deep impact he had on those around him.

The Dunn County Sheriff’s Office issued a heartfelt statement, expressing condolences to Wagner’s family and gratitude to the bystanders who bravely intervened to extinguish the fire. They also emphasized the importance of regular vehicle maintenance, particularly for those navigating rural roads alone, as a preventive measure against such tragedies.

**A Lasting Legacy**

As the quiet backroads of Springbrook fell silent on that fateful night, Dunn County lost a man whose warmth and generosity touched countless lives. While the investigation into the crash continues, Jake Wagner’s memory endures through the stories shared by those who knew him best. His life, defined by love, loyalty, and a deep connection to his community, will not be forgotten.

The Dunn County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information about the crash to contact them to assist with the ongoing investigation.