Tragic Fatal Collision in Kenosha County: 78-Year-Old Wheatland Man Killed in Train vs. Pickup Truck Crash
Kenosha County, WI — On the morning of Sunday, August 3rd, 2025, a tragic accident unfolded just south of County Trunk Highway JB (31st Street) along the Canadian National Railway Tracks, near the 3300 block of CTH W / 328th Avenue, in the Town of Wheatland. At approximately 10:45 A.M., the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO), in collaboration with multiple local fire and rescue agencies, responded to a devastating train versus pickup truck collision.
Emergency response teams from across the region — including the Town of Wheatland, Village of Twin Lakes, Town of Randall, Village of Somers, Village of Bristol, Village of Salem Lakes Fire and Rescue, Village of Pleasant Prairie, and Richmond, Illinois — rushed to the scene, working together with Flight for Life and the Canadian National Railway Police to assess and manage the emergency.
According to preliminary reports, the southbound train was moving through the area when a full-sized pickup truck, traveling westbound on a private farm access road, attempted to cross the tracks. The private road, which intersects with the railway, is marked with a stop sign but lacks automatic safety measures such as gates, warning bells, or flashing lights — conditions that are within regulatory compliance but often leave drivers with limited cues of oncoming trains.
Tragically, the driver and sole occupant of the truck was unable to clear the crossing in time. He sustained catastrophic injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Kenosha County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The victim has since been identified as Leonard A. Lois, a 78-year-old resident of Wheatland, Wisconsin.
In the wake of the accident, Kenosha County Sheriff David W. Zoerner issued a heartfelt statement:
“We extend our deepest and most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Leonard Lois. This is a devastating loss to the Wheatland community, and we are keeping all who are grieving in our thoughts and prayers. We are grateful for the swift and professional response of all our emergency partners who worked together to assist at this very difficult scene.”
Community Support & Mental Health Resources
The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone affected by this tragedy to reach out for support. Grief, especially in the wake of sudden and traumatic events, can be overwhelming. The Kenosha Human Development Services – Crisis Line is available 24/7, 365 days a year to provide a listening ear and mental health support. Anyone in need is urged to call: 262-657-7188.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities, including the Canadian National Railway Police and KCSO, continue to investigate the exact circumstances surrounding the crash. They will assess factors such as visibility, timing, and possible mechanical or environmental contributors.
While private railroad crossings — like the one involved in this incident — are not federally required to include advanced warning systems, this tragedy once again highlights the inherent dangers of unprotected crossings. Officials remind drivers to exercise extreme caution when approaching any rail tracks and to come to a full stop, check thoroughly in both directions, and proceed only when it is unquestionably safe to do so.
Remembering Leonard A. Lois
Leonard Lois was a lifelong member of the Wheatland community, known by many as a hard-working, kind-hearted individual with deep roots in the area’s agricultural traditions. He is remembered not only for his dedication to his land and family, but for the humble, generous spirit he carried with him through life. His sudden passing leaves a significant void in the lives of all who knew him.
As the community mourns this loss, friends, neighbors, and loved ones are asked to keep the Lois family in their thoughts during this difficult time.
May Leonard A. Lois rest in peace, and may his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.
