Cottage Grove, WI – Authorities Identify Victim in Fatal Thanksgiving Crash Involving Semi-Truck on County Hwy N

‍Cottage Grove, WI (December 3, 2025) – The Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the man who died in last week’s fatal crash in the Town of Cottage Grove.

Officials confirmed that 37-year-old Timothy Baumgard died from injuries he sustained in the Thanksgiving Day collision. This article follows up on a story we covered earlier. You can read the original report here.

The crash was first reported shortly after 9 a.m. on Thursday, November 27, near the intersection of County Highway North and County Highway MN. According to the Dane County Sheriff’s Office, the incident involved a semi-truck and another vehicle. Emergency responders from Cottage Grove Police, Wisconsin State Patrol, Deer Grove EMS, and Cottage Grove Fire and EMS rushed to the scene.

The medical examiner’s office stated that Baumgard, a Madison resident, died from injuries directly related to the crash. Final forensic reports are still pending.

The roadway remained closed for several hours on Thanksgiving morning as investigators reconstructed the scene and gathered evidence. The Dane County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the cause of the crash.

We extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Timothy Baumgard during this difficult time.

Semi-Truck Accidents in Cottage Grove

Crashes involving semi-trucks are among the most severe on Wisconsin roadways due to the sheer size and force of these commercial vehicles. The fatal Thanksgiving morning crash in Cottage Grove underscores how devastating collisions involving semis can be, especially on rural county highways.

Intersections like County Highway N and County Highway MN can be particularly dangerous. Many rural intersections lack traffic signals, flashing warnings, or turn lanes, creating situations where limited visibility and higher travel speeds can increase collision risks. Semi-trucks also require significantly longer stopping distances, and even a momentary miscalculation can have catastrophic consequences.

According to data from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, crashes involving large trucks routinely result in a disproportionate share of fatalities and serious injuries each year. Smaller passenger vehicles often sustain the worst damage, leaving occupants vulnerable to life-altering or fatal trauma.

For families, the aftermath of a fatal truck crash can be overwhelming. Beyond the emotional loss, surviving loved ones may face sudden financial burdens such as funeral expenses, the loss of income, and long-term emotional hardship. When a truck driver or trucking company may have been negligent, such as through fatigue, distracted driving, speeding, improper maintenance, or failure to follow safety protocols, families have the legal right to seek accountability.

A wrongful death attorney can help grieving families understand their options by conducting a thorough investigation, reviewing the crash report, and identifying all potentially liable parties. 

If your family has lost a loved one in a semi-truck crash, you should not face these challenges alone. Dunk Law Firm is committed to providing compassionate guidance and strong legal support during this difficult time.

Call 414-209-4398 today to speak with a knowledgeable wrongful death attorney and learn more about your next steps.

Nota: Esta publicación se basa en información obtenida de fuentes secundarias de dominio público. No hemos verificado de forma independiente todos los detalles del incidente. Si detecta alguna inexactitud o falta de información, póngase en contacto con el bufete Dunk Law Firm para que podamos revisar y corregir rápidamente el contenido con el fin de garantizar su exactitud y fiabilidad.

Aviso legal: El contenido de esta publicación tiene únicamente fines informativos generales y no debe interpretarse como asesoramiento jurídico o médico. No establece una relación abogado-cliente ni constituye una oferta de servicios jurídicos. Si ha resultado lesionado en un accidente, busque atención médica inmediata y consulte a un abogado cualificado. Las imágenes incluidas tienen únicamente fines ilustrativos y no representan la escena real ni a las partes implicadas en el incidente.