Jamison Ruston Obituary, Death Cause – Authorities in Sauk County have released the identity of the young man who lost his life in a crash near Devil’s Lake State Park over the weekend. The Sauk County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that 24-year-old Jamison Ruston of Madison was killed in the accident.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening, with emergency calls reporting a serious crash around 6:30 p.m. Deputies were dispatched to the exit road of Devil’s Lake State Park, located just south of County Highway DL in the Town of Baraboo. Upon arrival, they found a badly damaged vehicle and multiple victims in need of immediate medical assistance.
Investigators determined that the crash involved a 2020 Ford Mustang, which had been traveling northbound on the narrow, one-lane exit road that leads out of the popular state park. According to authorities, the car was moving at an excessive speed as it approached a sweeping right-hand curve. The driver, later identified as Ruston, was unable to navigate the bend successfully.
As a result, the vehicle left the roadway and collided with several large trees before coming to a stop against another tree. The impact was severe, leaving Ruston fatally injured. Deputies confirmed that he died at the scene despite rapid emergency response.
Two other individuals were inside the Mustang at the time of the crash. They were identified as a 22-year-old man from Madison and a 24-year-old woman from Brillion. Both passengers sustained life-threatening injuries and were rushed to a hospital for treatment. Officials have not yet released updates on their current conditions.
The Sauk County Sheriff’s Office has emphasized that speed played a critical role in the crash. The exit road from Devil’s Lake State Park is known for its sharp turns and narrow lanes, making it particularly hazardous when drivers are traveling too fast. While the investigation remains ongoing, deputies have not suggested that alcohol or drugs were involved at this stage.
Ruston’s death underscores the dangers of reckless driving, especially on rural and winding roads where conditions can change quickly. The fact that two passengers were also critically injured adds another layer of tragedy to the incident, leaving families and friends in both Madison and Brillion coping with the aftermath.
Devil’s Lake State Park, a popular destination for both locals and tourists, typically sees high volumes of traffic during weekends. The crash, occurring just outside the park, has drawn attention to the importance of driver caution in recreational areas where roads are often less forgiving.
For now, the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the crash, focusing on how speed and road conditions combined to cause the deadly outcome. Authorities are expected to release additional information as it becomes available, particularly regarding the recovery of the surviving passengers.
The loss of Ruston at just 24 years old, along with the severe injuries suffered by his companions, has left a deep impact on the community. The tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of excessive speed and the importance of safe driving practices, even on familiar roads.
