Riley King dies in fatal Oconto County, Wisconsin hit-and-run crash
Fatal Oconto County, Wisconsin hit-and-run crash death of Riley King – Obituary
A 20-year-old man, Riley King, lost his life late Monday night after being struck by a vehicle along U.S. Highway 41 near County Highway A in the Town of Little River, according to authorities.
Deputies from the Oconto County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the scene at approximately 11:46 p.m., where they discovered King lying unresponsive in the northbound lanes of the highway. Early findings indicate that a northbound vehicle hit him and continued driving without stopping.
King’s family later confirmed his identity, struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss. His grandmother, Amy Carlson, said she initially believed the message informing her of his death was a cruel joke until she contacted law enforcement and learned the truth.
Family members described King as a compassionate and generous young man who was always willing to help others, even at his own expense. They also shared that he was autistic and unfamiliar with the area. He had intended to travel toward Green Bay but had gone far beyond his destination.
Witnesses reported seeing King shortly before the crash. Gerri Seis and Sherri Baker said they noticed him walking along the center line of Highway 41 while heading home from the airport. Baker recalled that he was extremely close to her vehicle and appeared to move his arm as if trying to avoid it.
After passing him, Baker pulled over and had Seis call 911. They then turned around to check on him, only to find his body in the roadway.
Baker stated that several vehicles were traveling behind her at the time and believes one of them may have struck King. Both the witnesses and the victim’s family expressed disbelief that no one stopped to help.
King’s loved ones emphasized his trusting nature, saying he often did not recognize danger until it was too late. He was just weeks away from celebrating his 21st birthday, and his grandmother had been planning a visit to mark the occasion.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Investigators are reviewing nearby camera footage and searching for vehicles that may have damage consistent with the crash.
Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the Oconto County Sheriff’s Office through the Emergency Dispatch Center.