Minnesota man among 2 killed in Wisconsin head-on crash

A head-on crash in northwestern Wisconsin claimed two lives on Wednesday evening, including that of a Minnesota father of three.

The Wisconsin State Patrol says the crash happened on U.S. Hwy. 53 north of Minong in Douglas County just before 6 p.m. Wednesday, when a southbound vehicle crossed into the northbound lanes.

Both drivers were killed in the collision, and have been identified as Nicholas Groszbach, 47, of Hibbing, Minnesota, and James Paske, an 80-year-old from Minong.

Groszbach was driving a 2025 Toyota Corolla and Paske was driving a 2016 Toyota Sienna. Police have not said which driver crossed into the wrong lane.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support Groszbach's family, including wife – who runs a daycare and nursery in Hibbing – and their three young children.

The fundraiser says Groszbach was returning from work when the crash happened, and his death has plunged his family into "an unimaginable amount of grief."

"He was the family's main source of income, and in the midst of this devastating loss, his loved ones are now facing the economic challenge of funeral expenses, household bills, and the day-to-day needs of the children," the fundraiser continues.

The GoFundMe has raised almost $30,000.

Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcement's latest version of events, and may be subject to change.

This story was originally published by Bring Me The News on Nov 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the MN News section. Add Bring Me The News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.