Wonder Lake Man Killed in Head-On Collision on Barnard Mill Road
A 49-year-old Wonder Lake man was killed Friday evening in a violent head-on crash on Barnard Mill Road, according to local authorities.
The victim, identified as Joseph M. Depner, was driving a Mazda 6 when, for reasons still under investigation, his vehicle crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a Chevrolet Silverado. The driver of the Silverado, a 65-year-old man from Florida, survived the crash and was taken to a nearby hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and confirmed Depner was pronounced dead at the site of the collision. Barnard Mill Road was temporarily closed in both directions as investigators worked to determine the cause of the crash.
Authorities have not yet said whether speed, weather, or impairment were factors in the collision. The crash remains under active investigation, and officials are asking any witnesses or individuals with dashcam footage to come forward.
This marks another tragic incident on Barnard Mill Road, a stretch known for limited visibility and winding turns. Community members are once again raising concerns about road safety in the area.
