Gina Marie Brunner Killed in Antigo DUI Accident
Alcohol suspected in head-on collision that claimed the life of a 45-year-old Wittenberg woman
Gina Marie Brunner, 45, of Wittenberg, was killed in a suspected DUI head-on crash on State Highway 45 near County Highway X in Antigo, Langlade County, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, April 22, according to the Langlade County Sheriff's Office.
The two-lane rural highway was the site of a violent collision late at night. A vehicle driven by a 25-year-old Antigo man struck the other car head-on, leaving both vehicles with heavy damage.
Brunner died instantly. She was pronounced dead at the scene by the county coroner. The 25-year-old driver was taken to Aspirus Langlade Hospital for treatment of his injuries.
Investigators suspect alcohol played a role in the wreck. Deputies noted signs of impairment at the crash scene, though formal criminal charges have not yet been announced.
The State Patrol, Antigo Police Department, and local fire and rescue crews assisted at the scene. The crash remains under investigation.
The sudden loss of a loved one to a suspected impaired driver leaves families grappling with immense grief and a complex legal process. While authorities determine the exact sequence of events on State Highway 45, independent investigations often run parallel to criminal proceedings.
National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. "In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from a crash scene, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party. Time is of the essence in cases such as this, and the victim’s family must ensure that evidence is reviewed efficiently."
What happens next in the Langlade County DUI investigation?
According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, alcohol remains the single greatest driver contributing cause of fatal crashes in the state, with 136 drunk driving deaths recorded in a single recent year. Investigators in Langlade County will likely review toxicology reports, vehicle event data recorders, and physical evidence from the road to build a full timeline of the collision.
Criminal charges punish the offender, but they do not compensate the grieving family. A civil claim provides a separate avenue for accountability.
How do head-on crashes impact the Antigo community?
National Legal Analyst Stefano Formica, of Counsel at Counsel at Bond Legal. "We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their best interests are taken care of. Relatives of wrongful death victims are entitled to seek damages for the loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident."
When a suspected drunk driver crosses a center line, the resulting head-on impact frequently causes catastrophic or fatal injuries. Families navigating the aftermath of these preventable collisions often require dedicated legal advocacy to protect their rights while they focus on healing.
If your loved one has been killed in a drunk driving accident, please contact our National Legal Analyst Bond of Bond Legal today for a no-cost analytical consultation.
Wisconsin wrongful death statute
Under Wis. Stat. § 895.04, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. Wisconsin applies modified comparative fault (51% bar). The statute of limitations is 3 years.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of society and companionship, funeral expenses, and the estate's losses.