WASHBURN COUNTY, WI -- The driver of the passenger car who was killed in a crash on Wednesday has been released.
The Wisconsin State Patrol Spooner Post has identified the driver as Austin T. Knutson, 30, from Rice Lake, Wisconsin. The Driver of truck tractor has been identified as Nicolas C. Smith, 36, from White Bear Lake, Minnesota.
Unit 1: Passenger Car (2001 Buick Park Avenue)
- Driver: Knutson, Austin Tyler
- 30 Year Old Male From Rice Lake, Wisconsin
- Injuries: Fatal
- Seatbelt Use: Yes
- Alcohol Use: No
- Enforcement Action: No
Unit 2: Truck Tractor(Semi Attached) (2024 Freightliner Day Cab)
- Driver: Smith, Nicolas Christopher
- 36 Year Old Male From White Bear Lake, Minnesota
- Injuries: None
- Seatbelt Use: Yes
- Alcohol Use: No
- Enforcement Action: No
**Previous Post**
WASHBURN COUNTY, WI — One person was killed Wednesday morning in a two-vehicle crash involving a passenger car and a commercial motor vehicle on US 63 northbound at County Road J in Washburn County, according to the Wisconsin State Patrol Northwest Region Spooner Post.
The crash occurred at approximately 7:03a Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
According to the initial investigation, a 2024 Freightliner Day Cab truck tractor (semi attached) was traveling northbound on US Highway 63 and had stopped to turn west onto County Road J. A 2001 Buick Park Avenue passenger car then struck the rear of the Freightliner's trailer.
The driver of the Buick was extricated from the vehicle and aid was rendered. The driver was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The crash remains under investigation by the Wisconsin State Patrol.
Assisting agencies included the Washburn County Sheriff's Office, Shell Lake Fire Department, Cumberland EMS, and the Washburn County Medical Examiner's Office.
The Wisconsin State Patrol Northwest Region Spooner Post issued the initial crash release at 3:57p Wednesday.
Last Update: Aug 20, 2026 10:49 am CDT
