Citation issued in connection with fatal crash

A 20-year-old Crandon woman involved in a traffic accident in Lincoln County last month that resulted in the death of a Rhinelander man has been cited for “failure to keep vehicle under control.”

According to online court records, the traffic forfeiture citation was filed in Lincoln County Circuit Court July 1. The bond amount to be paid by the driver, Alexia C. Zuk, is $213.10. A non-mandatory court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 5.

According to the Lincoln County sheriff’s office, a silver SUV operated by Zuk collided with a white utility van operated by Rouman Amusement Company president George Rouman at approximately 10:50 p.m. Sunday, June 9.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the SUV was traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 51 when for unknown reasons the driver (Zuk) lost control of her vehicle and went through the median” striking the utility van, sheriff’s officials said in a June 12 press release.

The collision occurred just north of Tamarack Lane in the Town of Skanawan.

Rouman, 51, was pronounced dead at the scene. 

A dog riding in the SUV was also killed in the collision. Zuk was extricated from her vehicle and transported by helicopter to Aspirus Wausau Hospital where she was treated and released.

On Wednesday, a representative of the Lincoln County sheriff’s office confirmed that the accident remains under investigation.

However, it remains unclear whether any other citations or charges will be filed.

Rouman’s death sent shockwaves through the Rhinelander community. The Rouman Cinema closed temporarily and an effort has been mounted to rename a city street or park after the Rouman family. 

Members of the family have been in the amusement/hospitality industry in Rhinelander for over 100 years.

Heather Schaefer may be reached [email protected].