DEFOREST, Wis. — Second Victim Identified in Fiery I-39/90 Crash: 19-Year-Old Brady A. Heiling of Minnesota
The Wisconsin State Patrol has confirmed the identity of the second individual who tragically lost his life in a devastating and fiery collision that occurred in the early morning hours of Saturday, July 20, on Interstate 39/90 near DeForest. Authorities have identified the victim as Brady A. Heiling, a 19-year-old from Minnesota, who was the driver of one of the vehicles involved in the multi-vehicle crash that claimed multiple lives and left the community stunned.
The incident, which unfolded around 2:15 a.m., involved a sequence of violent impacts followed by a fire that engulfed at least two vehicles. Emergency responders were called to the scene near mile marker 126, just north of Madison, where they found a harrowing scene of wreckage and flames.
A Promising Life Cut Tragically Short
Brady A. Heiling was a young man with his whole life ahead of him. At just 19, he had already shown promise, ambition, and a deep love for the people and pursuits that defined his early years. Originally from Minnesota, Brady had recently graduated from high school and was in the early stages of mapping out his future—one that may have included college, work in the trades, or travel, all paths he had considered and spoken about with excitement.
Family members describe Brady as warm-hearted, adventurous, and full of energy, the kind of person who lit up a room with his presence and left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was known for his strong work ethic, his love of the outdoors, and his close bond with his siblings and parents. Friends recall countless memories of fishing trips, late-night bonfires, pickup basketball games, and a relentless sense of humor that kept everyone smiling.
His sudden and tragic passing has left his family and community reeling, struggling to process the loss of someone so young, so full of life, and so deeply loved.
Details of the Crash
The crash occurred under dark and challenging road conditions. According to the Wisconsin State Patrol’s preliminary investigation, multiple vehicles were involved in the collision, which included at least one semi-truck and several passenger vehicles. One of the vehicles, believed to be driven by Brady, was struck and quickly consumed by fire.
Due to the intensity of the flames and the severity of the crash, authorities initially had difficulty identifying all individuals involved. It was not until several days later—following forensic analysis and coordination with out-of-state law enforcement—that Brady was officially identified as one of the deceased.
The crash also claimed the life of at least one other individual whose identity was released earlier in the week. Several others were injured, some seriously, and remain hospitalized. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, though authorities have indicated that speed and visibility may have been contributing factors.
An Outpouring of Grief and Support
Since the confirmation of Brady’s identity, there has been an outpouring of grief and remembrance on social media and within his hometown community in Minnesota. Friends, classmates, and neighbors have expressed shock and sadness, sharing photos, memories, and heartfelt tributes to a young man who left a lasting mark despite his short time here.
A candlelight vigil is being organized in Brady’s hometown, and a memorial fund has been established by his family to support funeral costs and to create a scholarship in his name—one that will help other young people pursue their dreams, just as Brady hoped to pursue his.
“We are heartbroken beyond words,” his family shared in a public statement. “Brady was the light of our lives. He was kind, he was funny, he was full of dreams. We are devastated by his loss but deeply grateful for the love and support we’ve received.”
A Community United in Grief
The tragedy has also reverberated in DeForest and the greater Dane County area, where local residents have expressed sympathy for the victims and concern over the safety of the I-39/90 corridor. This stretch of highway has been the site of several high-profile accidents in recent years, leading to renewed calls for improved signage, lighting, and patrol presence—particularly during overnight hours.
Wisconsin State Patrol continues to investigate the crash, with assistance from crash reconstruction experts and fire investigators. Toxicology reports and vehicle data are also being reviewed to determine the full sequence of events leading up to the collision.
Remembering Brady A. Heiling
Brady’s legacy will live on through the memories he leaves behind—his laughter, his warmth, his ability to bring people together, and the dreams he shared with those closest to him. Though his life was tragically brief, it was deeply meaningful.
Funeral services for Brady will be held in Minnesota later this week, with details to be shared by his family. In the meantime, those wishing to honor his memory are encouraged to make a donation to the memorial fund or simply share a kind word in his name.
“The good die young,” they say—but nothing can ever diminish the light Brady brought into this world.
He will be missed. He will be remembered. And he will be loved forever.
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