VALMEYER, Ill. — The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department has concluded its investigation into a fatal single-vehicle accident that occurred early this morning near the intersection of Fountain Road and Levee Road.

At approximately 6:18 a.m., deputies responded to a report of a vehicle off the roadway at the base of the levee. Upon arrival, authorities discovered a 2012 Jeep Wrangler that had veered off Levee Road and overturned down the embankment. A male subject, later identified as Nicholas D. Wittenbrink, 46, of Valmeyer, was located unresponsive near the crash site.

Deputies immediately began lifesaving measures, including CPR and AED deployment, until Monroe County EMS arrived. Despite these efforts, Mr. Wittenbrink was pronounced deceased at 7:53 a.m. by the Monroe County Coroner’s Office.

The investigation determined that extreme fog conditions played a major role in the accident. Evidence indicates the vehicle left the roadway, and in attempting to correct, the Jeep skidded sideways before overturning down the levee. Officials also confirmed that Mr. Wittenbrink was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle during the crash.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department was assisted at the scene by the Valmeyer Fire Department, Monroe County EMS, and the Monroe County Coroner’s Office.

Sheriff Neal Rohlfing and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department extend their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Wittenbrink during this difficult time.