Driver dies after vehicle leaves roadway and burns near 76th Street and Florist Avenue

Deadly early-morning crash under investigation on Milwaukee’s northwest side

Milwaukee police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred early Tuesday, January 27, 2026, near North 76th Street and West Florist Avenue. Authorities said the driver was pronounced dead at the scene after the vehicle left the roadway, crashed and caught fire.

The crash was reported at about 1 a.m. Police described the driver as traveling northbound on North 76th Street when the vehicle veered off the street. The driver’s identity had not been released as of Tuesday morning.

Shooting reported nearby shortly before the crash

Police also investigated a shooting in the same area shortly before the crash. Officers responded at about 12:43 a.m. to a shooting near North 76th Street and Bobolink Avenue, roughly a block away from the crash location.

A 32-year-old victim suffered non-fatal gunshot wounds and was taken to a hospital for treatment. Police said the victim was expected to survive. No suspect information was released, and the circumstances leading up to the shooting remained under investigation.

Unclear connection between the two incidents

Investigators have not established whether the shooting and the fatal crash are related. Police said it was unknown if the incidents were connected, noting the timing and proximity while emphasizing that the relationship between the two events had not been determined.

The fatal crash occurred approximately 15 to 20 minutes after the reported shooting, within a few blocks of the earlier scene. Police have not publicly described any evidence linking the events, and no additional injuries connected to the crash were reported in initial statements.

What is known so far

• The crash occurred near N. 76th St. and W. Florist Ave. at about 1 a.m. on Jan. 27, 2026.
• The vehicle left the roadway, crashed, and caught fire; the driver died at the scene.
• A shooting was reported nearby shortly before the crash; a 32-year-old victim was hospitalized with non-fatal injuries.
• Police have not confirmed any connection between the shooting and the crash.

Investigators are working to determine the circumstances that led to the crash and whether it is connected to the nearby shooting.

How the public can assist

Police requested that anyone with information related to either incident contact Milwaukee Police at 414-935-7360. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 414-224-Tips or via the P3 Tips system.

The investigation remained active Tuesday, and additional details—including identification of the driver—were expected pending further police work and notifications.