The quiet rural roads of Marinette County, Wisconsin, were shattered by a devastating two-vehicle collision on the evening of May 23, 2025, that claimed the lives of three individuals, leaving a community in mourning and authorities searching for answers. The crash, which occurred at the intersection of County Highway A and Moonshine Hill Road in the town of Stephenson, has left families grieving and serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety.
At approximately 9:22 p.m., deputies from the Marinette County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a severe collision. Upon arriving at the scene, they found a tragic tableau: two vehicles, heavily damaged, and three lives lost. The investigation revealed that a vehicle traveling westbound on Moonshine Hill Road, driven by 60-year-old Daniel W. Mrotek of Berlin, Wisconsin, failed to stop at a posted stop sign. This failure led to a catastrophic collision with a northbound vehicle on County Highway A, driven by 71-year-old Thomas J. Robe of Oak Creek, Wisconsin, with his 68-year-old wife, Sharon R. Robe, as the passenger. All three individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, their lives cut short in an instant.
Daniel Mrotek, authorities noted, was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. The force of the impact ejected him from his vehicle, resulting in fatal injuries. The absence of a seatbelt likely exacerbated the severity of his injuries, a detail that has prompted local officials to reiterate the critical importance of wearing seatbelts at all times. Thomas and Sharon Robe, the occupants of the northbound vehicle, also succumbed to their injuries at the scene. While little has been released about the couple’s personal lives, their loss has reverberated through their community in Oak Creek, where friends and neighbors remember them as kind and cherished members.
Emergency responders, including fire crews, EMS personnel, and traffic reconstruction specialists, worked tirelessly into the night to secure the crash site and assist with the investigation. The intersection was closed for several hours as authorities meticulously collected evidence and cleared debris, ensuring a thorough examination of the scene. The Marinette County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Wisconsin State Patrol, is conducting a comprehensive investigation to determine all contributing factors. While the failure to stop at the stop sign appears to be a primary cause, investigators are also exploring potential factors such as speed, road conditions, visibility, and possible mechanical failures. Toxicology reports and forensic analyses are pending, as authorities aim to piece together a complete picture of the events leading to the tragedy.
The small town of Stephenson, nestled in the scenic landscapes of Marinette County, is no stranger to the quiet beauty of its rural roads, but this tragedy has cast a shadow over the community. Local residents have expressed their sorrow, with many gathering informally to share memories and offer support to the victims’ families. The sheriff’s office has encouraged anyone with information about the crash, including potential witnesses who may have been in the area, to come forward and assist with the investigation. Contact information for the sheriff’s office has been widely shared, reflecting the community’s desire for answers and closure.
This heartbreaking incident has prompted renewed calls for road safety. Sheriff’s officials have emphasized that obeying traffic signals, such as stop signs, is not just a legal obligation but a matter of life and death. The absence of a seatbelt in Mrotek’s case underscores a preventable factor that might have altered the outcome. Across Wisconsin, law enforcement agencies continue to advocate for seatbelt use, noting that it significantly increases the likelihood of surviving a crash. In 2024, Wisconsin reported over 500 traffic fatalities, many of which involved unbelted drivers or passengers, a statistic that adds urgency to these public safety messages.
As the investigation continues, the Marinette County Sheriff’s Office and the Marinette County Medical Examiner’s Office are working diligently to provide answers to the victims’ families and the public. Updates are expected as more information becomes available, but for now, the focus remains on supporting those affected by this profound loss. The community of Marinette County, along with the families and friends of Daniel W. Mrotek, Thomas J. Robe, and Sharon R. Robe, are left to grapple with the pain of this tragedy. Vigils and memorials are being planned, as residents come together to honor the lives lost and reflect on the importance of cherishing every moment. In the wake of this sorrow, the call to drive safely and responsibly resonates more powerfully than ever, a reminder to all who travel these roads to do so with care and vigilance.
