By Crash News Writer 
Douglas County, WI (November 6, 2026) – Two drivers died following a wrong-way collision on U.S. Highway 53 near Minong on Wednesday evening, November 4. According to the Wisconsin State Patrol, the fatal accident occurred when a vehicle traveling southbound in the northbound lanes collided with another vehicle traveling in the correct direction.
Authorities identified the deceased drivers as 80-year-old James Paske of Minong and 47-year-old Nicholas Groszbach of Hibbing. Both men sustained fatal injuries in the two-vehicle collision.
The Wisconsin State Patrol reported that the accident occurred at approximately 5:57 p.m. near mile marker 191 along the northbound side of US 53 in Douglas County. Emergency crews from several surrounding communities responded to the scene.
According to preliminary investigative findings, one vehicle was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of the highway. The wrong-way vehicle subsequently collided with a vehicle traveling northbound.
Investigators have not released information identifying which driver was operating the wrong-way vehicle. Authorities also have not disclosed how the vehicle entered the northbound lanes or how long it had been traveling against traffic before the collision.
Both drivers were the only occupants of their respective vehicles when the accident occurred. Officials confirmed that both men died from their injuries, although additional information about the circumstances of their deaths was not provided.
The Washburn County Sheriff’s Office and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Wisconsin State Patrol at the accident scene. Emergency personnel from Gordon EMS, Wascott Fire and EMS, and Minong Fire also responded.
The collision required emergency crews to close the northbound lanes of US 53 while authorities attended to the scene and investigated the circumstances surrounding the accident. The closure lasted approximately three hours.
Officials have not released information about the extent of the damage to either vehicle or whether the collision occurred near an interchange or highway entrance. The available report also does not identify the makes or models of the vehicles involved.
Wrong-way collisions can be particularly dangerous because vehicles traveling in opposite directions may approach each other with little time to react. However, investigators have not disclosed the speed of either vehicle or whether either driver attempted to avoid the impact.
Authorities have not identified alcohol impairment, distracted driving, medical emergencies, or roadway conditions as contributing factors. The reason one vehicle entered the northbound lanes remains unknown.
The Wisconsin State Patrol continues investigating the fatal collision. Additional information may become available as investigators examine the evidence and determine how the wrong-way driving incident occurred.
Protect Your Rights After a Fatal Wrong-Way Accident Today
Wrong-way collisions are among the most dangerous types of highway accidents because vehicles traveling in opposite directions can collide with substantial force. These accidents may result in fatal injuries, particularly when drivers have little time to recognize and avoid an approaching vehicle.
Under car accident laws in Wisconsin, individuals injured because of another party’s negligence may have grounds to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other legally recognized damages. When a collision results in death, qualifying surviving family members or representatives may also have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim.
If you are searching for a car accident near me or a car accident near Minong, understanding Wisconsin’s negligence and highway safety laws can help clarify the legal questions that may arise following a fatal wrong-way collision. An official car accident report may contain information about vehicle movements, roadway conditions, physical evidence, and the investigating officers’ findings.
Wisconsin law requires motorists to travel in the proper direction on divided highways and follow applicable traffic control devices. Drivers must also exercise reasonable care when entering highways, approaching intersections, and traveling through areas with multiple entrance and exit ramps.
Wrong-way driving may occur for several reasons, including confusion at highway entrances, failure to recognize traffic signs, impaired driving, or medical emergencies. However, investigators must examine the available evidence before determining what caused a specific driver to travel against traffic.
In the Douglas County collision, Wisconsin State Patrol investigators reported that one vehicle was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of US 53. The wrong-way vehicle subsequently collided with a vehicle traveling northbound.
Authorities have not identified which driver was traveling in the wrong direction. Investigators also have not explained how the vehicle entered the highway or whether any roadway conditions contributed to the accident.
Determining how a wrong-way collision occurred may require examining highway entrance ramps, roadway signs, pavement markings, and available surveillance footage. Investigators may also review witness statements and physical evidence to reconstruct the vehicles’ movements.
When a driver enters a divided highway in the wrong direction, investigators may examine whether the entrance was clearly marked and whether traffic control devices were visible. However, the existence of a wrong-way collision does not automatically establish that roadway design or signage contributed to the accident.
Wisconsin drivers are required to maintain reasonable control of their vehicles and operate at speeds appropriate for existing conditions. Motorists must also follow applicable traffic regulations and remain attentive to surrounding traffic.
In some wrong-way collisions, investigators may examine whether either driver had sufficient time to recognize the approaching vehicle and take evasive action. However, the available evidence must establish whether avoiding the collision was reasonably possible.
Wisconsin follows a modified comparative negligence system. Under this rule, an injured person’s compensation may be reduced by their percentage of responsibility, and recovery is generally permitted only when the person’s negligence is not greater than the negligence of the party against whom recovery is sought.
People researching a car accident near me or a car accident near Minong should understand that comparative negligence may affect claims involving multiple drivers. The determination of responsibility depends on the evidence and whether negligent conduct caused or contributed to the resulting injuries.
Wisconsin generally allows three years to file negligence-based personal injury lawsuits. However, exceptions and special rules may affect the applicable deadline, particularly when claims involve government entities or other circumstances covered by specific statutes.
Wrongful death actions arising from motor vehicle accidents in Wisconsin are generally subject to a two-year limitations period measured from the date of death. Other wrongful death claims may have different deadlines, making the circumstances of the accident important when evaluating the applicable filing period.
Wisconsin law establishes which surviving family members may benefit from a wrongful death action. Depending on the circumstances, recoverable damages may include funeral expenses, lost financial support, and certain losses involving society and companionship.
Wisconsin also imposes statutory limits on certain wrongful death damages for loss of society and companionship. For motor vehicle deaths, these limits generally include $350,000 for the death of an adult and $500,000 for the death of a minor.
These limits apply to specific categories of damages rather than every type of loss that may arise from a fatal collision. The compensation available depends on the evidence and applicable Wisconsin law.
Insurance coverage may become another important consideration when a wrong-way collision results in fatalities. Automobile liability policies, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, and other applicable benefits may affect the financial recovery available to qualifying claimants.
Wisconsin generally requires motorists to maintain minimum liability insurance coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury or death to one person, $50,000 for bodily injury or death to multiple people in one accident, and $10,000 for property damage.
These minimum limits may not cover every financial loss associated with a fatal accident. Funeral expenses, lost income, and other damages may exceed the available liability insurance coverage.
When both drivers die in a collision, investigators may need to rely heavily on physical evidence, witness statements, and vehicle data. The absence of surviving drivers can make it more difficult to establish the events immediately preceding the impact.
In the US 53 accident, authorities confirmed that James Paske and Nicholas Groszbach were the only occupants of their respective vehicles. Police have not released information establishing which driver was traveling against traffic.
An official car accident report and the Wisconsin State Patrol’s investigation may eventually clarify how the wrong-way vehicle entered the northbound lanes. Until additional findings become available, the cause of the wrong-way driving incident and any determination of legal responsibility remain unresolved.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This article reflects information reported by WDIO on November 5, 2026, and attributed to the Wisconsin State Patrol. Additional details may become available as authorities continue investigating the fatal wrong-way collision on US 53.
- Two drivers killed: James Paske, 80, of Minong, and Nicholas Groszbach, 47, of Hibbing, died following the two-vehicle collision. Authorities confirmed that both men were the only occupants of their respective vehicles.
- Crash location: The fatal accident occurred on northbound US 53 near mile marker 191 in Douglas County. Wisconsin State Patrol reported that the collision happened at approximately 5:57 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4.
- Wrong-way vehicle involved: Preliminary evidence indicates that one vehicle was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes when it collided with a northbound vehicle. Authorities have not identified which driver was traveling in the wrong direction.
- Multiple agencies responded: The Wisconsin State Patrol received assistance from the Washburn County and Douglas County sheriff’s offices. Gordon EMS, Wascott Fire and EMS, and Minong Fire also responded to the accident scene.
- Highway temporarily closed: Northbound US 53 remained closed for approximately three hours following the collision. Readers seeking information about fatal accident claims can review our frequently asked questions in Wisconsin.
- Investigation continuing: The Wisconsin State Patrol continues investigating how the wrong-way collision occurred. Individuals and families seeking additional information can explore accident resources in Wisconsin for further assistance.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Information reflects publicly available reports at the time of publication and may change as authorities release additional findings. Readers should consult a qualified attorney regarding their individual circumstances. Please review our disclaimer for further details.
When a wrong-way collision results in multiple fatalities, surviving family members may face questions about insurance coverage, wrongful death claims, and whether negligent conduct contributed to the accident. Wisconsin law establishes specific requirements for wrongful death actions, comparative negligence, and automobile insurance coverage, and the available legal options depend on the evidence. A Wisconsin personal injury lawyer can review the circumstances, explain the state’s traffic and wrongful death laws, and discuss whether qualifying surviving family members may have grounds to pursue compensation.