WEST BEND, Wis. — The West Bend community is mourning the tragic loss of Darren Hess, 57, of West Bend, who died Thursday, February 5, 2026, in a crash on CTH I north of Cedar Creek Road in the Town of Cedarburg.
Hess was driving a 2018 Ram pickup truck when the fatal collision occurred. Both lanes of CTH I were closed from Cedar Creek Road to Pleasant Valley Road for approximately four hours while emergency crews responded to the scene. Hess was pronounced dead at the site of the crash.
The Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office said the crash remains under investigation. Authorities are awaiting the results of the crash reconstruction, autopsy, and toxicology tests to determine the cause of the collision. No further details have been released at this time.
Family, friends, and the West Bend community are grieving the sudden loss of Hess. He is remembered for his contributions to the community, the relationships he built, and the positive impact he had on those around him.
The Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office continues to work closely with local officials as the investigation progresses. Meanwhile, the community is coming together to honor and remember Darren Hess, cherishing his memory and the life he lived.
