A local man died in a foggy rollover crash Tuesday morning north of Valmeyer.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department said in a press release Tuesday afternoon that the crash occurred in the area of Fountain Road and Levee Road shortly before 6:20 a.m. 

Deputies were dispatched to that area after a passerby reported a vehicle off the roadway at the base of the levee. 

Upon arrival, deputies located a 2012 Jeep Wrangler that had left Levee Road and overturned down the embankment. A male subject was discovered nearby and was unresponsive, police said.

The sole occupant and driver of the vehicle was identified as Nicholas D. Wittenbrink, 46, of Valmeyer. Deputies immediately initiated CPR and deployed an AED until Monroe County EMS personnel arrived on scene. 

The MCSD said that, despite life-saving efforts, Wittenbrink was pronounced deceased on scene a short time later by the Monroe County Coroner’s Office.

“The completed investigation determined that extreme fog conditions contributed to this tragic accident,” MCSD Sgt. Justin Biggs stated in the news release. “Mr. Wittenbrink’s vehicle left the roadway, and, in attempting to overcorrect, the Jeep skidded sideways before overturning down the levee.” 

Evidence suggests Wittenbrink was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected during the crash, police said.

The MCSD was assisted at the crash scene by the Valmeyer Fire Department and Monroe County EMS.

“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,” the press release states. 

Wittenbrink is survived by partner Mallory Origliosso, children Andria, Alexander, Knox and Maizie Wittenbrink, step-children Angela Dixon and Josie Origliosso, plus four grandchildren.

“Nic enjoyed fishing, hunting, participating in historical reenactments, and going on adventures with his family,” his obituary states.

Visitation is set for 4-8 p.m. Sept. 5 and 9-10 a.m. Sept. 6 at Quernheim Funeral Home in Waterloo.

A funeral service takes place 10 a.m. Sept. 6 at the funeral home.

Burial will be at St. Marcus Cemetery in Red Bud.

Donations for Wittenbrink’s family will be accepted at Oh! Sugar Ice & Cream and Salt + Honey Bistro in Waterloo. Both businesses will be accepting donations during normal business hours.

Suggested donations include Pampers diapers (size 3+), wipes, toiletries, house cleaning supplies, laundry soaps, feminine products, Enfamil yellow cans, children’s reading books and activities, care items for the mother, drinks, snacks for the family, local gift cards (Schnucks, Walmart, Aldi, Target, Scooters or any restaurant). 

For all monetary donations, contact House of Neighborly Service in Waterloo at 618-939-8900 beginning Aug. 28.