Rib Lake, WI — A 49-year-old Wisconsin man has been arrested and charged with homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle following a fatal rollover crash that claimed the life of his wife early Monday morning in Taylor County.
According to the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to a one-vehicle rollover on County Road C in Rib Lake shortly after 2 a.m. Reports indicated that a woman was trapped inside the damaged vehicle when first responders arrived.
Fatal Rollover in Rib Lake
Deputies found a sport utility vehicle overturned in a ditch, heavily damaged after colliding with two trees. The passenger, 49-year-old Sharon Kaplon of Ogema, was freed from the wreckage and transported to a nearby hospital. She was later airlifted for further treatment but succumbed to her injuries hours later.
“The vehicle was traveling southbound on County Road C when it left the roadway, entered a ditch, and struck two trees,” investigators said in their preliminary report.
The driver, identified as 49-year-old Stephen Kaplon, also of Ogema, sustained no serious injuries. Authorities confirmed that the two were married.
According to WFRV Local 5, investigators determined that alcohol was a factor in the crash. Stephen was taken into custody and charged with Homicide by Intoxicated Use of a Motor Vehicle.
Arrest and Court Proceedings
Following his arrest, Stephen Kaplon’s cash bond was set at $200,000, according to court records. Officials say additional testing and accident reconstruction are underway as part of the ongoing investigation.
“This was a tragic incident that resulted in the loss of life, and the investigation is still active,” the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office stated.
Authorities have not yet released toxicology results or confirmed the driver’s exact blood alcohol level at the time of the crash.
Community Reaction and Continuing Investigation
The fatal crash has shaken the small community of Rib Lake and neighboring Ogema, where residents are mourning the loss of Sharon Kaplon. Her obituary described her as a devoted wife, friend, and community member known for her compassion and kindness.
“It’s heartbreaking,” one local resident said. “Everyone knew them — this is such a tragedy for the family.”
The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office continues to work with state crash reconstruction experts to determine the exact sequence of events leading up to the collision.
Drunk Driving in Wisconsin
Authorities say this case serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of intoxicated driving. Wisconsin law classifies homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle as a Class D felony, which carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines.
Local officials are urging residents to plan ahead when drinking, use designated drivers, and report suspected impaired drivers to law enforcement immediately.
What are your thoughts on this tragic case and how communities can help prevent drunk driving fatalities? Share your views in the comments below.
