Fennimore Man Killed in Tractor-SUV Accident in Grant County

Fatal Crash involving and SUV and Tractor 

On August 24, 2026, at 11:09 AM, the Grant County Sheriff's Office was notified of a vehicle vs tractor crash with injuries on CTH E, near Scenic Rd., in Liberty Township. Along with deputies from the Sheriff's Office, first responders from Lancaster EMS, Lancaster Fire, Southwest Health EMS, Fennimore EMS, and Stizter Fire responded to the scene.  

When deputies arrived on scene, they learned a 2022 Buick Envision, being driven by Melvin Michek, 89, of rural Livingston, was traveling east bound on County E, near Scenic Road, when he struck the rear end of a farm tractor that was also traveling eastbound, and being driven by Jeffrey Vesperman, 63, of Fennimore.  

When Michek's vehicle struck Vesperman's tractor, Vesperman was thrown from the tractor. Vesperman's tractor continued into the north ditch, and Michek's SUV ended up in the ditch on the south side of the road.  

UW Medflight was activated and requested to come directly to the scene. When Medflight landed, Southwest Health EMS transported Vesperman to the helicopter and he was flown to UW Hospital in Madison where he later passed away from injuries sustained in the crash.  

Michek was assessed at the scene and taken to the hospital by private party.  

The Grant County Sheriff's Office was assisted at the scene by Lancaster EMS, Southwest Health EMS, Fennimore EMS, Stitzer Fire Department, and Lancaster Fire Department, and UW Medflight.  

Both vehicles sustained disabling damage and were removed from the scene by Arrow Towing and Collision Specialists. This incident remains under investigation.