Man Dies In Washington Township Crash

 News Release

July 24, 2018

On July 23, 2018, at approximately 2:30 P.M., the Sauk County Communications Center was notified of a one-vehicle crash on CTH K at CTH S in the Township of Washington.  Sheriff’s Deputies, Reedsburg EMS, Hillpoint Fire, Sauk County Coroner, and Sauk County Highway Department were all sent to the scene.

The initial investigation revealed that a 1975 International Loadstar, loaded with shelled corn, was going southbound on CTH S and approaching the “T” intersection with CTH K.   It appears there was a mechanical issue with the truck and the operator was unable to stop, continuing into the intersection and rolling over in the ditch.  The operator, identified as James R. Backes, age 64, from rural Cazenovia, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Sauk County Corners Office. 

Backes was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the truck.  Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the crash.

The crash remains under investigation by the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office and the Sauk County Coroner’s Office.