CEDARBURG, Wis. — The Ozaukee County community is reeling after a head‑on collision Thursday afternoon claimed the life of a 57‑year‑old West Bend man.
Just after 1:15 p.m. on February 5, a Dodge Ram pickup truck driven by Darren Hess crossed the center line on County Highway I north of Cedar Creek Road in the Town of Cedarburg and struck a GO Riteway school bus head‑on. No students were on the bus at the time, officials confirmed.
The bus driver, a 71‑year‑old from Saukville, suffered minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital. First responders had to extricate Hess from his 2018 Ram after witnesses said the truck drifted into oncoming traffic. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Both lanes of CTH I were closed for roughly four hours as crews worked the scene and conducted an initial investigation. Traffic was diverted while authorities gathered evidence. The roadway reopened around 5:21 p.m. Thursday.
The Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation. Officials said crash reconstruction, an autopsy, and toxicology results are still pending, and they have not yet determined what caused the truck to veer across the center line.
Neighbors and friends have been sharing memories of Hess, remembering him as a quiet but friendly member of the West Bend community. Dozens expressed shock that what began as a normal afternoon ended with such sudden loss.
Local leaders said they hope answers from the investigation will not only explain what happened but help prevent similar tragedies in the future. For now, thoughts are with Hess’s family and the bus driver who walked away from a crash that could have been far worse.
Grief and support continue to ripple through the area as residents honor the memory of a life cut too short. Emergency responders and community members alike say they are grateful no children were involved in the crash and are focusing on healing together.
