A devastating single-vehicle accident near Crivitz, Wisconsin, has resulted in the loss of two teenagers' lives and left two others critically injured. The incident occurred on County Highway G in the Town of Lake, where the Marinette County Sheriff's Office was alerted to the coordinates of the crash by an iPhone crash notification at approximately 10:55 p.m. on Saturday, August 29.
Initial reports suggest that Landen J. Englund, a 16-year-old from Menominee, Michigan, was driving south on the county highway when he failed to negotiate a curve and veered into a ditch. Englund, who sustained fatal injuries in the crash, was identified by the Marinette County Sheriff's Office as the driver.
Tragically, the front-seat passenger, 17-year-old Princeton J. Welty from Crivitz, also succumbed to his injuries. Two other passengers, one of whom was ejected from the vehicle, were seriously injured and were transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment. The sheriff's office indicated that speed was a contributing factor in the crash, which is currently under investigation.
The sheriff's office faced criticism on social media for releasing the teenagers' names before notifying the families, prompting a response from Sheriff Randy Miller. Miller explained that the release of information was necessary to address the spread of inaccurate information on social media platforms without waiting for an official statement.
In a statement on Facebook, the Menominee Area Public School District expressed its condolences to the families, friends, classmates, staff members, and the entire school community affected by the tragedy. The district announced that additional mental health professionals and support resources would be made available to students upon their return to school on Monday, September 8. Superintendent Drew Buyarski encouraged families to have open conversations with their children about their feelings and the impact of the loss.
A Hudl account linked to Princeton Welty suggests that he played basketball in Crivitz. The Crivitz School District, which begins classes on September 8, has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident.
The accident has sent shockwaves through the community, with many expressing grief and concern for the families involved. As the investigation continues, the community is left to grapple with the sudden loss of two young lives and the serious injuries sustained by others.
The Marinette County Sheriff's Office is urging anyone with information regarding the crash to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation. The office can be contacted at [Marinette County Sheriff's Office](https://www.marinettesheriff.org/).
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of driving at excessive speeds and the potential consequences that can arise from such actions. As the community comes together to mourn the loss of two young lives, it is hoped that the lessons learned from this tragedy will help prevent similar occurrences in the future.
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