WHO Involved: Thomas J Nachtigal, 18, of Richland Center, WI
Richard A Schulze, 54, Richland Center WI
WHERE Incident Happened: US Hwy 80 and Industrial Dr
What happened: On 01/16/26, at approximately 4:40pm, law enforcement was dispatched to a report of a two-vehicle accident with injuries near US Highway 80 and Industrial Drive. While en route, Richland County Dispatch advised that CPR was in progress. Life-saving measures were continued until Richland EMS arrived and assumed care. Richland EMS transported an adult male to Richland Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. The individual was identified as Richard A. Schulze. Preliminary investigation indicated that Schulze was traveling northbound on US Highway 80 when he lost control of his vehicle due to snow-covered road conditions, causing the vehicle to spin into oncoming traffic. Schulze’s vehicle was struck on the driver’s side by another vehicle operated by Thomas Nachtigal. Nachtigal and his juvenile passenger were evaluated by EMS. The remaining parties involved were treated by EMS and transported to Richland Hospital by a third party. All parties involved were fully cooperative. US Hwy 80 was closed for approximately 3.5 hours, while Wisconsin State Patrol Reconstruction Team came in to investigate. Vehicles were removed by Wegner’s Auto Service. The crash remains under investigation.
Other Agencies Involved: Richland County Sheriff’s Department, Richland Center Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, Richland Center Fire Department, Richland EMS, Wegner Auto Service