Illinois Woman Killed in UTV Crash in Lafayette County

A woman from Illinois was killed Saturday evening in a UTV crash along the Pecatonica Trail in rural Lafayette County, according to a news release from the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office.

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Authorities say they received multiple 911 calls around 5:33 p.m. on May 3rd, reporting that a utility terrain vehicle, or UTV, had crashed near bridge #59 on the Pecatonica Trail, just off Brunton Lane in the Town of Kendall.

Emergency crews from the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office, Belmont EMS, Belmont Fire Department, and Southwest Health Ambulance Service responded to the scene of the accident. According to the sheriff’s report, a 2024 Kawasaki UTV being driven by Keith L. Konczak, 50, of Utica, Illinois, was traveling eastbound when he lost control of the vehicle. The UTV veered off the trail and overturned into a nearby river.

The passenger, Wendy S. Baele, 55, of Kewanee, Illinois, was found unresponsive by first responders. Lifesaving efforts were made by EMS crews and the UW Medflight medical team, but Baele was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, Konczak, was transported to Southwest Health in Platteville with non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released.

According to the release, investigators believe alcohol, speed, and careless operation were likely contributing factors in the deadly crash. The case has been referred to the Lafayette County District Attorney’s Office to determine whether charges will be forthcoming.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office. So far, the DNR shows 11 other ATV/UTV accidents this year. No further details were immediately available. The crash remains under investigation. Again, all information was provided by the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office.