DARLINGTON — A two vehicle crash resulted in the death of Timothy Russett, 27 of Mineral Point, Saturday, Sept. 18. The accident is the third fatal crash this year in Lafayette County. Data from the previous decade totals fatalities for the county to approximately three per year with a quarter still remaining in 2021. 

Russett was traveling westbound on Wis. 81 when he crossed over the center line into the path of an eastbound Matthew Barry, 31 of Beloit, who was driving a mini bus used for private party transportation. Russett was declared dead as a result of the injuries sustained in the crash after being transported to Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County. Barry suffered minor injuries and declined medical transport.

The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office responded to injuries in the 12000 block of Wis. 81, just east of the intersection of Otter Creek Road, Town of Darlington. The area was detoured for several hours for the crash that remains under investigation. 

The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Darlington Fire Department, Lafayette County EMS, Lafayette County Highway Department, and Lafayette County Coroner’s Office. Additional assistance was also provided by Air Care of Dubuque, IA and the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office.