Derek Powers Obituary, Death Cause – Authorities in Dane County have publicly identified the man who died earlier this week after his vehicle erupted in flames following a crash on South Stoughton Road. The Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed on Friday that the victim was 44-year-old Derek G. Powers of McFarland.
The incident unfolded late Monday morning after a deputy with the Dane County Sheriff’s Office attempted to pull Powers over for a traffic stop. According to the sheriff’s office, Powers did not comply with the stop order. Officials noted that although the deputy signaled for him to pull over, they did not engage in an active pursuit once Powers continued driving.
Witness accounts indicate that Powers was traveling north on South Stoughton Road at a high rate of speed after failing to stop for the deputy. Several motorists reported seeing a vehicle matching his speed through the area before it veered off the roadway. According to police, the car entered the ditch located in the median portion of the road. After traveling through the ditch, the vehicle reemerged onto the pavement, crossing all northbound lanes of traffic in the process.
The out-of-control vehicle then continued toward the opposite side of the roadway, where it collided with a tree. The impact was severe enough that the car quickly caught fire shortly after the crash. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports of a vehicle engulfed in flames.
When officers arrived around 11:40 a.m. near the frontage road area of southbound Highway 51—specifically in the 1900 block of South Stoughton Road—they found the car fully involved in fire. Despite firefighters’ efforts to extinguish the blaze and reach the driver, Powers was pronounced dead at the scene.
A forensic autopsy was conducted on Wednesday to further investigate the circumstances surrounding Powers’ death. The medical examiner’s office reported that while his identity had been confirmed, both the cause and manner of death remained pending as of Friday morning. Additional laboratory testing and analysis are underway, which is standard procedure in cases involving severe trauma and fire.
Officials have not released details about why Powers initially refused to stop for law enforcement or what may have contributed to his driving behavior shortly before the crash. Investigators are working to determine whether medical, mechanical, or environmental factors played any role in the incident. The sheriff’s office also emphasized that the deputy involved did not pursue Powers after he failed to pull over, in accordance with department guidelines.
The Madison Police Department is working alongside the medical examiner’s office as part of the ongoing investigation. Their review will include examining physical evidence from the crash scene, analyzing vehicle debris, reviewing witness statements, and consulting traffic-reconstruction specialists. Investigators will also look into the events leading up to the attempted traffic stop to gain a clearer understanding of the timeline.
South Stoughton Road, a busy corridor for both commuter and commercial traffic, experienced temporary disruptions on Monday as emergency responders worked the scene and investigators conducted their initial assessment. Crews blocked off portions of the area to safely manage the fire and later remove the burned vehicle.
No other vehicles were involved in the crash, and no additional injuries were reported. Authorities have not indicated whether they are seeking any further witnesses, though more public updates may be provided once the medical examiner completes its testing and the police develop a more comprehensive picture of the events that resulted in Powers’ death.
The case remains active, with both law enforcement and forensic teams continuing their joint investigation into the fatal crash and vehicle fire.
