DODGE COUNTY, Wis. — The Beaver Dam community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Samantha Pavelka, a 35-year-old registered nurse at Fox Lake Correctional Institution, who died from injuries sustained in a devastating two-vehicle crash in the Town of Trenton early Thursday morning.
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office reports that the accident occurred shortly before 6 a.m. on County Highway A, just north of Breezy Point Road. According to authorities, a southbound 2011 BMW Alpina driven by 46-year-old Christopher Murphy of Portage crossed the center line and collided head-on with a northbound 2017 Kia Sorento driven by Pavelka.
Emergency crews arrived at the scene within minutes. Due to the severity of his injuries, Murphy was airlifted by UW Med Flight to Aurora Summit Hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Pavelka was transported to Marshfield Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. Despite extensive medical efforts, she tragically passed away, leaving her family, colleagues, and friends in deep grief.
Investigators are still working to determine why Murphy’s vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic. Potential contributing factors — such as road conditions, driver fatigue, mechanical failure, or impairment — have not been ruled out. The sheriff’s office is asking anyone with information or who may have witnessed the incident to contact authorities to aid in their investigation.
The loss of Samantha Pavelka has sent shockwaves through the Beaver Dam area. Known for her compassion, professionalism, and dedication to patient care, she was a valued member of the Fox Lake Correctional Institution medical staff. Colleagues describe her as a committed nurse who always put the well-being of others first, both in and out of the workplace.
Community members have been leaving heartfelt tributes on social media, remembering her as a caring friend, a loving family member, and someone whose presence brought comfort to those around her. Counseling services and grief support are being made available for her co-workers and others affected by the tragedy.
Authorities stress that this accident is a sobering reminder of the importance of staying alert on the road, especially during early morning hours when visibility and driver attentiveness can be compromised.
The investigation remains ongoing, and no charges have been filed at this time.