Michael Johnson and Jacob Ruiz die in fatal Manitowoc Rapids car crash

Michael Johnson and Jacob Ruiz die in fatal Manitowoc Rapids car crash

Fatal Manitowoc Rapids car crash claims the lives of Michael Johnson, 76, and Jacob Ruiz, 43 – Obituary

Authorities have identified Michael Johnson of Chilton and Jacob Ruiz of Sheboygan as the victims of a deadly head-on collision early Sunday morning on Interstate 43.

The Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office reported that the crash occurred around 1:45 a.m. near the County JJ off-ramp in Manitowoc Rapids. According to their preliminary findings, Johnson, 76, was traveling in the wrong direction in the southbound lanes when his vehicle collided with a car driven by 43-year-old Ruiz. Both drivers were alone in their vehicles at the time of the accident.

A third vehicle struck debris from the crash, but fortunately, neither the driver nor passengers in that car were injured.

The collision resulted in the closure of the interstate for over seven hours as investigators worked at the scene. The Wisconsin State Patrol is continuing its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.