Wausau Pilot & Review
The family of an avid Illinois snowmobiler who was killed in a Vilas County head-on crash has received a $500,000 settlement, according to a news release issued Wednesday.
On Feb. 2, 75-year-old Robert “Bob” Groter of Wyoming, Ill. was killed while snowmobiling near St. Germain and Eagle River in Vilas County. An experienced snowmobiler who often spent his winter on his sled in Wisconsin, groter was struck by a sled driven by 43-year-old Andrew Speiss, of Elmust, Ill.
Police say Speiss came around a corner run on a rented snowmobile and was traveling at speeds exceeding 65 mph, according to the activity report from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. A state lab report showed Speiss, who had only been snowmobiling a “handful of times,” had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.137 percent at the time of the crash.
Speiss crashed head on into Groter at a speed of about 56 mph, according to the crash report. Both men died at the scene.
According to his family’s attorney Mr. Groter is survived by his wife of 57 years, two children and seven grandchildren. He was a successful small business owner in Stark County, Ill. In his spare time, Mr. Groter was the starter for harness horse races for over 50 years in several states, including the Quad City Downs in Moline and Hawthorne Race Course in Stickney. Memorials from the racetracks flooded in upon learning of Mr. Groter’s death.
Following Mr. Groter’s death, his family retained Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard attorney David J. Rashid to represent them in a wrongful death lawsuit. Before the case was filed, the parties agreed to a $500,000 settlement, which represents the homeowner insurance policy limits for Mr. Spiess. The family was also represented by attorney Rob L. Kohen of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, there were at least 16 snowmobile fatalities in Wisconsin in 2023 ranging in age from 8-85. So far in 2024, there have been three fatal snowmobile crashes in Wisconsin.
Now, the attorney for the family is reminding snowmobile riders of some important safety tips to consider to protect themselves and other riders.
“Many Midwesterners use snowmobiles during the winter months for recreational purposes, Attorney David J. Rashid said. “While these vehicles can provide a thrill for the rider, they also come with many risks and the winter terrain can often be unpredictable. As a personal injury attorney, I have seen far too many people seriously injured or killed in snowmobile crashes. It’s important for drivers to slow down and allow for ample reaction time, stay on marked trails, and of course never drive these dangerous vehicles while intoxicated.”
