ARGYLE, Wis. – A tragic incident occurred Thursday evening when a 79-year-old man from California lost his life in a rollover accident on Highway 81 in Lafayette County. The Lafayette County Sheriff's Office reported that Daniel L. Smith, a resident of El Cajon, was driving a classic 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air westbound around 6:17 p.m.
As Smith traveled down Highway 81 in the Town of Argyle, the vehicle veered into the north ditch. It subsequently crossed the roadway and entered the south ditch, where it overturned and came to rest on its roof.
Emergency responders pronounced Smith dead at the scene, as confirmed by the Lafayette County Coroner's Office. An 85-year-old female passenger in the vehicle sustained minor injuries; she received treatment on-site and was later released.
The Chevrolet suffered extensive damage and was later towed away from the location. Preliminary assessments by the sheriff's office indicated that speed and a failure to maintain control likely played roles in the accident.
Assistance at the scene came from the Argyle Fire and EMS, Lafayette EMS, and the Lafayette County Coroner's Office.