Family members, friends, and communities across northwestern Wisconsin are mourning the tragic deaths of Martha Lippai, 62, of Superior, and Devern Bender, 36, of Barron, who were killed in a devastating roadside crash in the Town of Superior near Pattison State Park. The fatal incident has left two communities grieving while authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.

According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred at approximately 7:54 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, along County Highway A, about a quarter-mile south of Larson Road. Preliminary investigators determined that Martha Lippai was receiving delivery of a wooden storage shed to her property from Devern Bender, who had transported the structure on a flatbed semi-truck and trailer. As the two stood near the rear of the parked truck, they were struck by a northbound Honda Pilot before the SUV crashed into the back of the trailer.

Emergency responders from multiple agencies rushed to the scene, but both Martha Lippai and Devern Bender suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Honda Pilot, identified by authorities as Samantha Carlson, 34, of the Town of Summit, was extricated from her vehicle and transported to a local hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.

The collision prompted the closure of County Highway A between Larson Road and Half Mile Road for several hours while deputies, crash reconstruction specialists, and emergency crews documented evidence and cleared the scene. The investigation is being conducted by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the Douglas County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Wisconsin State Patrol, with assistance from local fire departments, first responders, and Mayo Ambulance.

News of the tragedy has deeply affected both Superior and Barron. Martha Lippai is remembered by those who knew her as a valued member of the Superior community whose kindness and generosity touched many lives. Friends and neighbors have expressed heartfelt condolences while reflecting on the life she built with family and the friendships she nurtured throughout the years.

Devern Bender is likewise being remembered as a hardworking professional whose dedication to his work and willingness to serve customers made a lasting impression on those around him. His untimely passing has left coworkers, friends, and loved ones mourning a life cut tragically short while carrying out his daily responsibilities.

The heartbreaking incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers that can exist even during routine roadside activities. Authorities continue urging motorists to remain alert, reduce speed near stopped commercial vehicles and emergency scenes, and exercise caution whenever workers or pedestrians are present alongside roadways.

At the time of publication, funeral and memorial service arrangements for Martha Lippai and Devern Bender have not been publicly announced. Their families have been surrounded by an outpouring of prayers, sympathy, and community support as they navigate an unimaginable loss.

Martha Lippai and Devern Bender will be remembered for the lives they lived, the families they loved, and the countless people they touched through their kindness, dedication, and everyday acts of generosity. Though their lives ended in tragic circumstances, their memories will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved them.