Springstead crash victim identified as county board member

By RICHARD JENKINS

rjenkins@yourdailyglobe.com

Hurley — The Iron County Sheriff’s Department has released the name of the Springstead man killed in Friday’s single-vehicle crash at the intersection of Wisconsin 182 and Wisconsin 47.

Bradford J. Matson, 52, was killed after his vehicle failed to negotiate the turn from Wisconsin 182 to Wisconsin 47 and hit a tree, according to the Sheriff’s Department.

Matson, a Springstead resident, represented the town of Sherman on the Iron County Board of Supervisors.

Iron County Board Chair Joe Pinardi praised Matson as a board member.

“He was a very active member of the county board. Every committee he was involved with, he was involved very deeply with. He jumped in with both feet,” Pinardi told the Daily Globe Monday. “He was a real asset to the full board and he will be deeply missed.”

A passing motorist reported the accident scene with an unresponsive man at approximately 11:10 p.m. Friday, according to a news release.

Iron County Coroner Diane Simonich declared Matson dead at the scene.

Pinardi said the board will likely leave Matson’s seat open until the next election rather than appoint a replacement.

“That way, the people from Springstead can make their own selection as to who they are going to elect,” Pinardi said, adding Matson represented the town of Sherman well.