The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department along with the Wisconsin State Patrol are continuing to investigate a one-vehicle roll over crash that took the life of an 18-year-old Merrill man. The crash was reported to the sheriff’s office Tuesday, Nov. 24 at 2:02 p.m.

Jordan R. Buehler of Merrill, a passenger in the vehicle, died just before 7 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield. The driver of the vehicle, Terrance G. Oleson, 18, also of Merrill, remained in critical condition at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

The crash occurred when two vehicles were witnessed racing southbound on Deer Run Ave. in the town of Pine River just southeast of the city of Merrill.

The vehicle being operated by Oleson, along with another vehicle being operated by David J. Brandenburg, 19, also of Merrill, were witnessed traveling southbound on Deer Run Ave. at a high rate of speed.

According to a sheriff’s department report, the vehicle being operated by Oleson then continued southbound through the intersection of Deer Run Ave. and Center Rd. without stopping at the stop sign. Shortly after traveling through the intersection Oleson lost control of his vehicle and the vehicle entered the west ditch. After entering the ditch the vehicle rolled several times before coming to a final rest.

As the vehicle rolled both Oleson and Beuhler were ejected from the vehicle as neither were wearing their seatbelts. Both Oleson and Buehler were transported to Good Samaritan Hospital in Merrill then later transferred to Wausau and Marshfield hospitals.

The driver of the second vehicle, David Brandenburg, was taken into custody as a result of his involvement in the race. Charges of first degree reckless homicide along with charges for causing injury to Oleson, and endangering others are pending for Brandenburg. The investigation will continue.