Authorities have identified an SUV driver who died in a collision with a semitrailer truck in western Wisconsin.

Kenneth R. Candelaria, 58, of Menomonie, Wis., was killed in the collision midafternoon Thursday in Cedar Township, according to the Dunn County Sheriff's Office.

Candelaria was known around the area as "Papa Smurf," a hard rock guitarist. "He was a very talented musician from a young age," his funeral home obituary read.

Candelaria was heading south on County Hwy. B and collided with a semi heading west on Hwy. 12, the Sheriff's Office said.

The big rig's driver, Peter L. Stoyancheff, 64, of Las Vegas, was not hurt.

Sheriff's officials would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the crash. They can be reached at 1-715-232-1348.

Paul Walsh