Andrew Niedzwicki obituary and death: 65-Year-Old Bicyclist Andrew Niedzwicki Tragically Killed in Collision with Semi-Truck on CTH N in Worden Township: Clark County Authorities Launch Investigation as Local Community Mourns the Loss of a Respected Resident—Details Emerge on the Accident Involving Driver Richard Wnek, 63, and Response Efforts by Thorp Emergency Services”
Tragic Accident Claims the Life of 65-Year-Old Bicyclist Andrew Niedzwicki on CTH N in Worden Township: Community Mourns as Investigation Continues into Fatal Semi-Truck Collision
The peaceful morning of Tuesday, September 17, 2024, was shattered in the Township of Worden, Wisconsin, when a tragic accident claimed the life of Andrew Niedzwicki, a 65-year-old resident, who was struck and killed by a semi-truck while riding his bicycle along CTH N near Dickerson Avenue, just south of Thorp. The heartbreaking incident, which occurred at approximately 8:46 a.m., has left the local community grieving for a man who was beloved by many and respected for his contributions to the area.
Niedzwicki’s death marks a devastating loss, not only for his family and friends but for the entire township, which has been left reeling from the sudden and tragic circumstances surrounding his passing. The accident occurred as Niedzwicki was traveling eastbound on CTH N, riding near the south shoulder of the roadway, when a semi-truck driven by 63-year-old Richard Wnek collided with him. The force of the impact threw Niedzwicki onto the shoulder, fatally wounding him.
Authorities and emergency responders, including the Thorp Area Ambulance Service, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wisconsin State Patrol, quickly arrived on the scene, but despite their efforts to save him, Niedzwicki was pronounced dead shortly after being transported to Stanley Hospital. The tragic collision has now prompted a full-scale investigation, as law enforcement seeks to determine the exact circumstances that led to the fatal crash.
Details of the Fatal Accident: How It Happened
The accident occurred on a relatively quiet stretch of CTH N, a rural county highway that runs through the township, which is often frequented by bicyclists and residents for its scenic routes and low traffic volumes. On that fateful Tuesday morning, Niedzwicki, an avid cyclist, was riding eastbound along CTH N near Dickerson Avenue, a road he had likely traveled many times before. Positioned near the south shoulder of the road, Niedzwicki was maintaining his lane when a semi-truck, driven by Richard Wnek, approached from behind, traveling in the same direction.
According to preliminary reports from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Wnek was operating a semi-tractor trailer eastbound on CTH N. As the truck passed by, it collided with Niedzwicki’s bicycle, causing the cyclist to be thrown onto the shoulder of the road. The exact cause of the collision remains under investigation, though investigators are looking into multiple factors that could have contributed to the accident, including road conditions, visibility, driver distraction, and the width of the roadway at the time of the incident.
Wnek, who immediately pulled over after the collision, reportedly called 911 and waited for emergency responders to arrive. The Thorp Area Ambulance Service was first on the scene, followed closely by personnel from the Clark County Highway Department, Thorp Area Fire and Ambulance Service, and officers from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office. Despite the swift response, Niedzwicki’s injuries were too severe, and he was tragically pronounced dead shortly after being transported to Stanley Hospital.
Clark County Coroner Clarissa Rochester later confirmed Niedzwicki’s death and has since been working closely with investigators to conduct an autopsy and determine the precise cause of death. Wisconsin State Patrol is assisting with the investigation, and authorities are expected to conduct a thorough examination of the semi-truck, Niedzwicki’s bicycle, and any other physical evidence from the crash scene in order to better understand what happened.
The Investigation: Authorities Seek Answers to the Tragic Collision
In the wake of the fatal collision, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office has initiated an exhaustive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, focusing on a range of potential factors that could have contributed to the tragic accident. While no official cause has yet been determined, authorities are examining whether visibility on CTH N played a role, as well as whether any distractions, either inside or outside of the vehicle, could have caused Wnek to veer too close to the shoulder.
Witness reports and dash camera footage, if available, are being analyzed to provide additional context to the moments leading up to the collision. Investigators are also considering the possibility of mechanical failure or road conditions that could have impacted the truck’s trajectory. Given the rural nature of the road, the narrow lanes may have played a factor, raising questions about the safety of shared roadways between cyclists and large vehicles in rural areas.
Sheriff [Insert Name], who is overseeing the investigation, issued a statement calling for patience as the investigation continues: “We understand the deep sense of loss felt by the family and community of Mr. Niedzwicki, and we are committed to conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of this tragic accident. We are working diligently with all relevant agencies to ensure that all factors are considered, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available.”
Wnek, the driver of the semi-truck, has cooperated fully with the authorities and has not been charged at this time. Investigators are awaiting the results of toxicology reports, standard in fatal accidents, though there is currently no indication that drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash. For now, the focus remains on reconstructing the accident, and further updates will be provided by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office as the investigation progresses.
Community in Mourning: Remembering Andrew Niedzwicki
As the investigation continues, the small, close-knit community of Worden Township and the surrounding areas are grappling with the sudden and devastating loss of Andrew Niedzwicki. Known for his love of cycling and his active lifestyle, Niedzwicki was a familiar face to many in the area. He was an active member of the community, frequently seen riding his bike along local roads and participating in community events.
Friends and neighbors have shared fond memories of Andrew, recalling his friendly demeanor and his passion for the outdoors. For many, his tragic death is a painful reminder of the importance of safety for cyclists and motorists sharing the road.
Susan Matthews, a longtime friend of Niedzwicki, described him as “a kind, gentle soul” who loved nature and the sense of freedom that cycling gave him. “Andrew was the type of person who made friends wherever he went. He was always cheerful, always ready to help others, and he absolutely loved cycling. It breaks my heart that something he loved so much ended in tragedy.”
Niedzwicki’s family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the community, with neighbors, friends, and local leaders offering their condolences. Several local organizations have expressed their grief over the incident, and some have called for increased awareness and safety measures for cyclists in rural areas where the roads are often shared with large commercial vehicles.
Safety Concerns on Rural Roads: Cyclists and Large Vehicles
The tragic death of Andrew Niedzwicki has reignited discussions about road safety in rural areas, particularly for cyclists who share the road with larger vehicles such as trucks and trailers. The collision on CTH N highlights the potential dangers of narrow, rural roads, which often lack designated lanes for cyclists and may have poor visibility in certain conditions.
Advocates for cyclist safety in Wisconsin have pointed to the need for increased awareness among both cyclists and motorists about the challenges of sharing the road, especially in areas where infrastructure may not adequately support both forms of transportation. Cycling advocacy groups, such as [Insert Local Group Name], have called for improvements to rural roads, including wider shoulders, better signage, and the creation of dedicated cycling lanes where possible.
Mark Donahue, a local cycling advocate, emphasized the importance of vigilance when sharing the road with large vehicles. “We need to ensure that both cyclists and truck drivers are aware of the risks involved in sharing these rural roads. Whether it’s increasing the visibility of cyclists or encouraging drivers to give more space, there are steps we can take to prevent more tragedies like this from happening.”
A United Response: Local Authorities and Community Support
In the wake of the accident, the community has also come together to support Niedzwicki’s family, with local organizations organizing fundraisers and vigils in his memory. The tragedy has served as a catalyst for discussions about improving road safety and ensuring that similar incidents are avoided in the future.
The Thorp Area Fire and Ambulance Service, which responded to the accident, expressed their condolences to the family, while Clark County Sheriff’s Office has vowed to continue working toward a complete understanding of what caused the crash. As the investigation unfolds, local leaders have encouraged the community to honor Andrew’s memory by advocating for safer roads for all.
Funeral Arrangements and Memorial Services
The Niedzwicki family has not yet announced specific details regarding funeral arrangements, but plans for a public memorial service are underway. Friends, family, and community members have expressed their desire to come together to honor Andrew’s life and his love of cycling.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to [Insert Charity or Cause], an organization
