City Times Staff

SENECA — A 21-year-old Vesper man has succumbed to his injuries after a fatal crash in Seneca early this morning.

According to a Wood Co. Sheriff’s Department release, at 4:34 a.m., the sheriff’s department was notified of a one-vehicle crash at County Highway D on Mattheis Rd. in the Town of Seneca. One of the passengers of the wreck, identified as 21-year-old Wisconsin Rapids native Brennan Rucinski, walked to a nearby residence for help.

Rucinski told authorities that the driver, identified as Ethan Smith, was still inside of the vehicle. Smith was found dead at the scene by sheriff’s department deputies.

According to the investigation, the vehicle had been traveling southbound on County Highway D when the driver lost control of the vehicle as he approached the curve. The vehicle entered a ditch, causing it to overturn. Both Smith and Rucinski were ejected from the vehicle, and neither were believed to be wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.

Alcohol is believed to be a factor at this time. Rucinksi was rushed to Riverview Hospital in Wisconsin Rapids for serious injuries. His condition is unknown at this time.