54-year-old Portage man dies in crash in Jefferson County

JEFFERSON CO. (WITI) -- A 54-year-old Portage man died after a crash on County Highway D near Haas Rd. in the Township of Hebron on Friday, July 12th. The wreck happened shortly after 5 p.m.

Investigators say the victim is identified as James Gerrits. Gerrits apparently failed to negotiate a curve and entered the path of a northbound semi driven by a Milwaukee man.

Gerrits was pronounced dead on the scene. It is not known whether he was wearing his seat belt.

The truck driver was not hurt.