RIB LAKE, Wis. — A tragic rollover crash early Monday morning in Taylor County has claimed the life of 49-year-old Sharon M. Kaplon of Ogema, Wisconsin. Authorities say her husband, 49-year-old Stephen Kaplon, was behind the wheel and has since been arrested on charges of homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle.
According to the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred around 2:03 a.m. on County Road C near Wood Lake Avenue in the Township of Rib Lake. Deputies and emergency responders from Taylor County First Responders, Rib Lake Fire Department, and Rib Lake Ambulance arrived at the scene to find a heavily damaged SUV rolled onto its side in a ditch. Reports indicated that a passenger was trapped inside the vehicle and required immediate rescue.
Emergency crews extricated Sharon Kaplon from the wreckage and transported her to Aspirus Medford Hospital, before she was airlifted to Aspirus Wausau Hospital due to the severity of her injuries. Despite extensive medical efforts, she succumbed to her injuries several hours later. Her death has left the small Ogema community heartbroken as friends and family mourn the devastating loss.
The driver, Stephen Kaplon, sustained only minor injuries and was treated at the scene. Following a preliminary investigation, authorities determined that the SUV had been traveling south on County Road C when it veered off the road, entered the west ditch, and collided with two trees before overturning. Deputies reported that alcohol was a contributing factor in the crash, which resulted in his wife’s death.
Kaplon was subsequently arrested and booked into the Taylor County Jail on a charge of Homicide by Intoxicated Use of a Motor Vehicle. His bond was set at $200,000 cash, and he remains in custody as the investigation continues. The sheriff’s office emphasized that further information will be released as new details become available.
Sheriff Corey J. Dassow extended condolences to the victim’s loved ones, describing the incident as a sobering reminder of the dangers of impaired driving. Authorities continue to analyze crash evidence and toxicology reports as part of their ongoing investigation. The fatal crash marks yet another heartbreaking example of how alcohol-related decisions can lead to irreversible tragedy.