Ozaukee County, WI — A devastating head-on collision in the early hours of Monday morning has claimed the lives of two beloved residents of Oostburg and left a young woman seriously injured. The Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office has identified those involved in the tragic crash, which occurred as a result of a wrong-way driver on I-43 in the Town of Belgium.
Authorities responded to the scene just before 1:00 a.m. on Monday, May 26, following multiple 911 calls reporting a vehicle traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of Interstate 43. The wrong-way vehicle, a passenger car driven by 34-year-old Ace Vue of Milwaukee, collided head-on with a northbound SUV near Jay Road.
The SUV was being driven by 51-year-old Nicole Horne of Oostburg. Her husband, 56-year-old Jay Horne, was in the front passenger seat. Both were pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders.
In the rear seat was their 22-year-old daughter, Alissa Horne, who sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, where she remains in serious condition.
The Horne family, deeply rooted in the community of Oostburg, is being remembered as warm, generous, and full of life. Nicole was a dedicated nurse, while Jay worked as a maintenance technician at a local manufacturing company.
Together, they raised their family with strong values and a commitment to their faith, community, and each other. The loss of Nicole and Jay has left a profound void in the lives of those who knew them.
“The Hornes were known by many in town,” said a close friend of the family. “They were always willing to lend a helping hand, and their love for each other and their children was obvious to everyone.”
Alissa, the couple’s only daughter, had recently graduated from college and was beginning her career in healthcare. Her recovery remains uncertain, and family and friends are rallying around her with love and support.
Ace Vue, the alleged wrong-way driver, also remains hospitalized in critical condition. According to authorities, Vue entered the northbound lanes of I-43 heading southbound near Jay Road around 12:37 a.m. Several motorists reported the vehicle to 911 dispatchers, but before law enforcement could intercept him, Vue crashed head-on into the Horne family’s SUV at high speed.
The Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that charges are being requested against Vue, including two counts of 1st Degree Reckless Homicide and one count of Reckless Driving Causing Great Bodily Harm. Additional charges may follow as the investigation continues. Toxicology reports and other factors are still under review.
“This is a heartbreaking and entirely preventable tragedy,” said Sheriff Christy Knowles in a statement. “The loss of life and the suffering caused by one individual’s reckless actions have deeply affected our entire community.”
The Town of Belgium and surrounding communities are mourning the devastating loss of the Hornes. Local churches have organized prayer vigils for the family, and friends have started a fundraising campaign to help cover funeral expenses and Alissa’s medical care.
As investigators work to piece together the full sequence of events leading up to the crash, one thing remains clear: the impact of this senseless accident will be felt for years to come.
The community is urged to support the Horne family through this unimaginable time, and authorities remind all drivers of the critical importance of following traffic laws to ensure safety on the road.
