Saukville, Wisconsin (November 26, 2025) — Authorities have identified Thomas Paine, 71, of Johnson Creek, as the man killed in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 43 last week. According to the Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office, the collision occurred during snowy, windy conditions when a semi-truck jackknifed and veered into oncoming lanes near State Highway 33.
Incident Details: The crash occurred around 3:11 p.m. when the southbound semi, driven by Jose Velazquez Medina, 49, of West Allis, lost control and crossed into the northbound lanes. Paine’s northbound Mercedes Sprinter Van and a Ford Fusion driven by Elizabeth Long, 29, struck the jackknifed trailer, with both vehicles becoming pinned beneath it. A Subaru Forester driven by Luke Reynebeau, 36, also collided with the semi before coming to rest near the Highway 33 exit ramp.
Paine died at the scene. Long, Reynebeau, and Michael Schulz, 36, of Chicago, all suffered severe but non-life-threatening injuries. A one-year-old passenger in Reynebeau’s vehicle was uninjured. Velazquez Medina was not hurt and was cited for failure to maintain control and for crossing a divided highway illegally.
Northbound lanes of I-43 remained closed for more than five hours as emergency crews from Saukville, Port Washington, Grafton, Waubeka, and Fredonia assisted with extrication and accident response.
Investigation: The Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the sequence of impacts and contributing factors in this multi-vehicle collision. Crash reconstruction specialists will analyze skid marks, impact points, and vehicle resting positions to determine how quickly the semi lost control and how much time northbound drivers had to react on the snowy roadway. Weather data, roadway friction levels, and visibility conditions will be compared to driver statements and video evidence to assess whether reasonable caution was used given the deteriorating conditions.
Investigators will also review the semi’s event data recorder for steering, braking, and speed inputs in the moments leading up to the crash, which may clarify why the truck crossed the median. Toxicology testing for Velazquez Medina is underway, though no impairment has been alleged at this stage. Findings from these evaluations will help determine whether the citations issued reflect contributory negligence or if further action is warranted.
Legal Considerations: Fatal commercial truck crashes often involve complex civil liability questions, particularly when a semi-truck veers into oncoming traffic. Truck drivers and trucking companies are required by Wisconsin law to operate with heightened caution, especially in hazardous weather conditions. If reconstruction shows that speed, improper braking, or failure to account for roadway conditions contributed to the jackknife, the trucking company may bear significant civil responsibility.
For families like the Paines, the aftermath of such a sudden loss is profound. Wrongful death claims may allow surviving relatives to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the irreplaceable loss of companionship.
The Injured survivors also have the right to pursue personal injury claims to address medical bills, long-term recovery needs, and emotional trauma. While no investigation or lawsuit can undo what occurred, it can provide accountability and support during an unimaginably difficult time.
My deepest condolences go out to the family of Thomas Paine, and I wish healing and strength to the injured survivors as they recover.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel