Stanton County, September 29, 2025
News Summary
A 50-year-old Madison man, Steve Hastreiter, tragically died in a single-vehicle crash in Stanton County. The accident occurred on 559th Avenue, where Hastreiter, driving a pickup, lost control and struck a dirt embankment. He was not wearing a seatbelt and was pronounced dead on the scene. Authorities reported no alcohol involvement and closed the road for investigation. This incident marks the first fatal crash in Stanton County for the year.
Madison Man Dies in Single-Vehicle Crash in Stanton County
A Madison man, identified as 50-year-old Steve Hastreiter, died on Saturday in a single-vehicle crash. The incident occurred shortly after 6 p.m. on a rural Stanton County road, specifically on 559th Avenue between 826th and 827th roads. The location of the accident was approximately a mile and a half south of Highway 32.
Hastreiter was driving a pickup southbound on 559th Avenue when the vehicle left the road and struck a dirt embankment. It was reported that Hastreiter was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the authorities.
Prior to the accident, people who had been with Hastreiter attempted to find him after he left a residence and did not return for an extended period. Stanton County Sheriff Mike Unger stated that alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash. The sheriff indicated that 559th Avenue was closed while an investigation into the accident took place.
Madison Fire and Rescue provided assistance at the scene of the accident. This incident marks the first fatal crash in Stanton County for the year 2023.
Background Context
Road safety has been a significant concern in rural areas, where single-vehicle accidents can lead to tragic outcomes. The lack of seatbelt usage has often been a contributing factor in serious accidents. In Stanton County, with this being the first fatal crash of 2023, authorities are likely to increase efforts to raise awareness on the importance of seatbelt use and road safety measures.
FAQ Section
What happened in the accident involving Steve Hastreiter?
A Madison man, identified as 50-year-old Steve Hastreiter, died on Saturday in a single-vehicle crash that occurred shortly after 6 p.m. on a rural Stanton County road.
Where did the accident take place?
The accident took place on 559th Avenue between 826th and 827th roads, approximately a mile and a half south of Highway 32.
Was alcohol a factor in the crash?
Stanton County Sheriff Mike Unger stated that alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash.
What assistance was provided at the scene?
Madison Fire and Rescue provided assistance at the scene of the accident.
What is the significance of this incident in Stanton County?
This incident marks the first fatal crash in Stanton County for the year 2023.
Key Features of the Accident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Steve Hastreiter, age 50, from Madison |
| Incident Date and Time | Saturday, shortly after 6 p.m. |
| Location | 559th Avenue between 826th and 827th roads, Stanton County |
| Vehicle Type | Pickup truck |
| Wear of Seatbelt | Not worn |
| Fatality Confirmation | Pronounced dead at the scene |
| Investigation Status | 559th Avenue closed for investigation |
| First Fatal Crash of 2023 | Yes |
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Additional Resources
- Norfolk Daily News
- Wikipedia: Road Safety
- WAFF
- Google Search: Madison County accidents
- Syracuse.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Accident
- WLBT
- Google News: Madison County traffic news

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