At approximately 2:03 a.m. on Monday, October 20, 2025, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a report of a one-vehicle rollover accident. The accident occurred in the Township of Rib Lake on County Road C near Wood Lake Avenue. The caller stated there was an injured female passenger inside the vehicle.
Taylor County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Taylor County first responders, and Rib Lake Fire and Ambulance personnel responded to the scene.
According to the Taylor County Sheriff's Office, "Upon arrival, a sport utility style vehicle was located rolled onto its side in the ditch with extensive damage. A 49-year-old female passenger, identified as Sharon M. Kaplon of Ogema, Wisconsin, was extricated from the vehicle by fire and EMS personnel. Sharon was transported from the scene by Rib Lake Ambulance to Aspirus Medford Hospital and subsequently transported by helicopter to Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Hours later, it was determined that Sharon had succumbed to her injuries from the crash. The driver, identified as 49-year-old Stephen Kaplon of Ogema, Wisconsin, was provided with medical attention and had no serious injuries reported at the time.
"A preliminary investigation indicates that the vehicle was southbound on County Road C when it veered off the roadway, entered the west ditch, and struck two trees. The driver, Stephen Kaplon, was arrested for Homicide by Intoxicated Use of a Motor Vehicle and is in custody at the Taylor County Jail on a $200,000 cash bond."
The accident is still under investigation, and authorities are not releasing any other information at this time.