Polk County, Wisconsin – William Van Heel, a 56-year-old resident of Princeton, Minnesota, tragically lost his life in a two-vehicle collision near the Village of Luck in Polk County, Wisconsin, on Saturday, August 24, 2024.
The fatal accident occurred around 11:00 a.m. at the intersection of State Highway 48 and County Highway I. According to a statement from Polk County Sheriff Brent Waak, a pickup truck with four passengers, traveling northbound on County Highway I, ran a stop sign and collided with an eastbound SUV on Highway 48. Van Heel, who was a passenger in the SUV, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Emergency response teams, including the Luck Fire Department, Northwestern Municipal EMS, Lakes Region EMS, Wisconsin State Patrol, and the Polk County Medical Examiner, responded promptly to the incident. Despite their efforts, Van Heel’s life could not be saved. His name was initially withheld until his family was notified.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Wisconsin State Patrol, is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. No further details have been released at this time.
On social media, friends and family have shared their sorrow and memories of William Van Heel. Jarrett Sachs wrote, “Got gifted this from a wonderful friend, you’ll be missed my godfather William Van Heel, but you’ll never be forgotten!!”
Van Heel’s death has left a void in the hearts of those who knew him, as the community mourns the loss of a beloved friend and family member.