‘He was full of energy and adventure’

A second Cardinal community is mourning the loss of a life taken too soon.

Masen Powell, 18, Spring Valley, died as the result of a car crash Saturday, Feb. 11 in the town of Alden in Polk County, north of Star Prairie.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a three-vehicle crash at 2:56 p.m. Saturday on Highway 65 just north of 28th Avenue in the town of Alden. That stretch of road is winding and hilly, known by many as “Rollercoaster Road.”

Witnesses said the vehicle in which Powell was a passenger was occupied by five people, traveling north at a high rate of speed. The vehicle lost control after cresting a hill, crossed the center line and struck two southbound vehicles. Emergency responders performed CPR on Powell, who was pronounced dead at the scene. A news release said a helicopter transported two occupants to an unnamed hospital with serious injuries. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has not released the names of the other four occupants, nor the names of those in the other two vehicles.

However, according to Powell’s sister Brooke Hillstead, a Gofundme page has been organized for two passengers who rode in the backseat, Ryan and Alex Sobrowsky of Somerset. Organizer and family friend Mike Kappers said both boys wore seatbelts, but sustained serious injuries. He also said that the vehicle caught air, lost control and rolled.

“Alex and the front seat passenger were in critical condition and both were airlifted to Regions Hospital in St. Paul,” Kappers said. “The driver and Ryan Sabrowksy were transported by ambulance to the Amery Hospital, and later transported by ambulance to Regions Hospital as well.”

Kappers said Ryan Sabrowksy should make a full recovery but broke an arm and fractured his back and pelvis. He also said Alex Sabrowksy has had several surgeries plus severe internal injuries and a shattered pelvis. According to Kappers, he’s in critical but stable condition.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office news release said the occupants in the southbound vehicles had minor to moderate injuries.

The crash remains under investigation by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin State Patrol, and the Polk County Medical examiner. Allied Fire and First responders, New Richmond EMS, Northwestern Municipal EMS, Life Link III air ambulance, Lakes Region EMS, Wisconsin State Patrol, and the Polk County Medical examiner all assisted Polk County Sheriff’s Office at the scene.

Powell, who attended Spring Valley High School until this fall and was enrolled in virtual school, was a senior, said Spring Valley Superintendent John Groh.

According to Hillstead, he was a young man full of energy and adventure.

“He was funny and witty, and always loved a good joke,” she said. “He carried an infectious smile and loved to see others laugh and smile too.”

She said he was “so loved” by his many older siblings. Masen is the son of Ron Powell and Sandy Vanderpoel.

“He loved being a brother, a son, and an uncle,” Hillstead said. “Being fun and charismatic, the kids loved their uncle just as much. Masen was kind, always there for those that needed him. Masen was full of life and full of love. He is cherished and missed by his family and friends.”

Hillstead also described Powell as a pure and natural athlete. She said he played basketball and ran track his sophomore year for Spring Valley and played football and basketball for Boyceville his freshman year.

In 2021, Powell, along with track teammates Colin Anderson, Nate Fesenmaier and Justin Rielly broke the Spring Valley High School record for the 4×200 meter relay, which had stood for 40 years, with a time of 1:35.4. According to the Sun-Argus, Powell and his teammates broke that record three more times that year, with their best time being at the state meet.

Powell did not participate in sports this year, Hillstead said, after breaking his back in a car crash in August in which he was a passenger.

School response

Groh sent out a letter to SVSD families Sunday, Feb. 12, to inform them of Powell’s death and to provide reassurance that resources would be available for students grieving.

“The support that other districts have provided has been amazing,” Groh said Sunday night. “Our staff is preparing to help our students. Masen had lots of connections in the community, with his family in the community, between our students. We know that he was loved by a lot of people.”

In the letter, Groh said, “Small towns are special for many reasons. The most obvious is that people know each other. In times like these, connections are vital.”

SVSD brought in additional counselors from Ellsworth Community School District to ensure students and staff received support. Counseling staff was also available to families 3:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday.

“I’ve been in contact with both parents and they are aware of what we are doing to support students,” Groh said. “Just love your kids … love your kids, that’s about all I can say right now.”

A visitation will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18 at Emmaus Church (S200 Sabin Ave., Spring Valley). The funeral service will follow the visitation.

People can donate to Powell’s family to help with funeral costs at https://gofund. me/5fc2dc7c