Fatal crash. MWC file photo.
HANCOCK, WI (WSAU) — The Wisconsin State Patrol says a Waushara County crash near Hancock and Plainfield on I39 involved a Northwoods League Umpire Crew that was assigned to call Sunday’s Wausau Woodchucks game.
Conor McKenzie, a 29-year-old man from Alabama, was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders. Two passengers, 21-year-old Andrew Chumley and 31-year-old Andrew Thomas, were injured but are expected to survive.
Investigators say Thomas, a California resident, was driving a 2003 Ford Utility van southbound when it left the roadway and rolled into the median. He and Chumley, a Texas resident, were taken to UW Hospital in Madison
It’s unclear if Thomas will face any charges.
The trio had been working Northwoods League games together this season. McKenzie was in his fifth year in the summer collegiate circuit and had umped nearly 350 games in his career.
“Conor was an exceptional umpire and an even better person,” said Northwoods League Chairman Dick Radatz, Jr. “His dedication to the game was unparalleled, and his loss is deeply felt throughout our league.”
Sunday’s game between the Woodchucks and Madison Mallards was postponed to August 1st. Additionally, the league will be holding a moment of silence before all of its scheduled games today in honor of McKenzie.
The crash shut down both southbound lanes on I39 for about 30 minutes while crews investigated.
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