Rib Lake man killed in ATV crash

On August 12, 2023, at 12:50 p.m. the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting an ATV accident with injuries near 530 Lake Shore Dr in the Village Of Rib Lake, Taylor County. The 911 caller was among a group of individuals driving UTVs and found the injured subject laying on the road unresponsive. Taylor County deputies along with fire and EMS were dispatched. Upon the deputies arrival the unresponsive ATV rider was identified as 48-year-old James C. Wacholtz Jr. of Rib Lake Wi. Preliminary investigation into the cause of the ATV accident indicates Wacholtz lost control of the ATV he was operating while attempting to negotiate a right turn in the roadway causing the ATV to overturn. Wacholtz was ejected off the ATV as it overturned. Wacholtz sustained severe injuries as a result of the accident and was air lifted to Aspirus Wausau where he ultimately succumb to his injuries and passed away. Speed is considered a contributing factor in the cause of the accident, Wisconsin DNR is further investigating.