1 Dead, Several Rescued After 'Dangerous' Flooding At Highway 63

ST. CROIX COUNTY, WI — Dangerous flooding in the area of Highway 63 in St. Croix County has resulted in one death and several rescues Monday.

According to the St. Croix County sheriff's office, Gary J. Parent, 70, of Emerald, was behind the wheel of his 2001 Dodge Caravan when he drove into water that was flooding on Highway E just east of Highway 63 in Baldwin just after 5 a.m. Monday.

Sheriff's officials said Parent drove his van into the water that was flooding the roadway, then lost control of his vehicle and entered the ditch on the north side of the road.

Authorities said Parent's van became inundated with water, and became completely submerged.

According to Sheriff's officials, Parent was rescued by members of United Fire and Rescue, and was transported to Wisconsin Health, where he later died.

Authorities said United Fire and Rescue was already in the area, because several other cars became submerged and rescue efforts were needed.

Parent's death is the first traffic fatality in St. Croix County in 2020, officials said.