July 16, 2026
STODDARD, Wis. — Vernon County authorities have released additional information about a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 35 that claimed the life of a Genoa-area man earlier this month.
According to Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson, the crash occurred July 10 at about 1:30 p.m. on State Highway 35 in the Town of Bergen, south of Stoddard.
Investigators said Aaron J. Malin, 48, of rural Genoa, was driving north on State Highway 35 after turning right from Mohawk Valley Road. Preliminary findings indicate Malin crossed the highway’s centerline and collided with a southbound 2018 GMC Yukon driven by Adam John Sutter, 45, of Prairie du Chien.
The collision occurred about 50 yards north of the Mohawk Valley Road intersection.
Malin suffered critical injuries and was extricated from his vehicle by the Stoddard-Bergen Fire Department. Sutter was also injured and removed from his vehicle. Both men were transported by Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance to Emplify Health in La Crosse. A 48-year-old female passenger in the Yukon was not injured.
Authorities said Malin died at the hospital on July 11 as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. Sutter was treated and later released.
The Wisconsin State Patrol Technical Reconstruction Unit assisted investigators at the scene. Additional agencies responding included the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office, Stoddard-Bergen Fire Department, La Crosse County Sheriff’s Office, Genoa Fire Department, Shelby Fire Department and Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance.
Highway 35 remained closed for about five and a half hours while emergency crews responded and investigators processed the scene. Torgerson also thanked highway construction crews working nearby for helping redirect traffic during the closure.
The crash remains under investigation by the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office and Vernon County Coroner Betty Nigh.
In a statement, Torgerson extended condolences to the Malin family and others affected by the crash, while also thanking first responders and bystanders for their assistance at the scene.
“My heart goes out to the Malin family and to everyone affected by this tragedy,” Torgerson said. “I also want to recognize and express my deepest gratitude to all the first responders, as well as the bystanders, who acted with courage, compassion and professionalism.”
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