Man killed in Western Wisconsin crash was local rock guitarist

March 18, 2019 at 12:02PM
Kenneth Candelaria
Kenneth Candelaria (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

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

about the writer

about the writer

Paul Walsh

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Paul Walsh is a general assignment reporter at the Minnesota Star Tribune. He wants your news tips, especially in and near Minnesota.

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