Two injured in head-on collision on State Highway 60 in Crawford County

Oct. 27, 2025

BRIDGEPORT, Wis. — Two people were injured Thursday in a head-on collision on State Highway 60 near Vet Lane in Crawford County, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Christopher Gardner, 47, of Merrill, was driving westbound when he attempted to pass highway department personnel mowing along the roadside. Gardner’s vehicle crossed the center line and collided head-on with an eastbound vehicle driven by Merlin Fritz, 72, of Boscobel, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Fritz and a passenger in Gardner’s vehicle were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to the Sheriff’s Office press release.

Gardner was cited for operating a motor vehicle left of center causing injury.

Emergency responders included the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Crawford County Highway Department, Bridgeport Fire Department, Bridgeport First Responders, Gundersen Ambulance Service, and Milo’s Towing Service.