Wrong-way driver was intoxicated in crash that killed Duluth musician Todd Eckart

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis. – Final autopsy results are revealing what contributed to a double-fatal, wrong-way crash in Douglas County that killed well-known Northland entertainer Todd Eckart.

Authorities conclude alcohol was in the system of the wrong-way driver.

The crash happened during the afternoon hours of Oct. 22, 2025, near Highway 53 and Kent Road in Hawthorne.

Eckart, 61, of Duluth, was in a white van heading southbound on Highway 53 when a white Subaru driven by Daniel Ohara, 77, of Duluth, was heading northbound in the southbound lanes, according to the incident report.

Previous story: Musician Todd Eckart Killed in Head-On Crash, Music Community Mourns

The vehicles struck head-on.

Both men died instantly from “multiple blunt force injuries.”

Eckart’s toxicology report came back negative for alcohol.

Ohara’s toxicology report came back with a blood-alcohol level more than two times the legal limit at 0.191.

The final autopsy report concluded the intoxication was listed as a significant “risk factor” in this tragedy.