Vehicle waiting to turn left was struck from behind by another SUV in Lac La Belle.
March 27, 2026 | Lac La Belle, WI
A tragic rear-end collision claimed the life of 10-year-old Jack Oudenhoven, a fourth grader at Meadow View Elementary, on Highway 67 at McMahon Road in Lac La Belle.
The incident occurred around 7 a.m. on March 25, involving two SUVs.
Jack Oudenhoven, 10, died after a rear-end crash involving two SUVs on Highway 67 near McMahon Road in Lac La Belle.
What Happened in the Crash?
Police reports indicate that Oudenhoven was a passenger in an SUV when it was struck from behind by another vehicle driven by a 34-year-old motorist. His two siblings, also in the vehicle, sustained injuries but survived the crash.
- Date and Time: March 25, approximately 7 a.m.
- Location: Highway 67 at McMahon Road, Lac La Belle, Wisconsin
- Vehicles Involved: Two SUVs, one rear-ended the other
- Victims: Jack Oudenhoven, deceased, age 10, two siblings, injured
- Driver Responsible: 34-year-old at fault, per initial investigation
The family remembered Jack as a bright, athletic boy who cherished his school, teachers, and friends.
Why Do Rear-End Accidents Happen?
Rear-end crashes often stem from preventable factors, according to safety professionals. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) links nearly 90% of such incidents to distracted driving, including texting or adjusting in-car features.
Common causes include:
- Distracted driving (texting, radio adjustments, passenger interactions)
- Speeding and tailgating
- Aggressive maneuvers
- Driving while impaired
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reports approximately 950,000 injuries and 2,000 deaths annually from rear-end collisions in the U.S.
Cause of Rear-End Crashes |
Estimated Percentage (NHTSA) |
Annual Impact (NTSB) |
|---|
Distracted Driving |
90% |
950,000 injuries |
Speeding/Tailgating |
20-30% |
2,000 fatalities |
Impairment/Aggression |
10-15% |
Varies by state |
Data sourced from NHTSA and NTSB reports on motor vehicle safety.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving rear-end accidents, independent investigations play a crucial role in establishing fault and preserving evidence.
“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can collect the proper evidence to help prove that a driver’s actions were reckless, which requires a variety of resources,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal and a national analyst with Newsline. “A lawyer can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and text records of the liable party. Serving as an advocate, an attorney will help compassionately guide a family during this difficult time, while vigorously protecting their legal rights and best interests.”
Key takeaways from legal analysis:
- Prompt evidence collection is essential for building a strong case.
- Witnesses and digital records can clarify driver responsibility.
- Professional guidance supports families through grief and legal processes.
Pending the ongoing investigation, Jack Oudenhoven's family may pursue a wrongful death claim to address losses like companionship and emotional distress.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected."
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).