The small, close‑knit community of Ridgeway, Wisconsin, was shaken earlier this month when 62‑year‑old Todd Nechkash Sr. was found dead in his home on Collins Street.
The Iowa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Mr. Nechkash was discovered deceased during a welfare check at approximately 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2026. Officials have since determined his death to be a homicide and are continuing their investigation.
Todd Nechkash was a lifelong resident of Ridgeway and a well‑known figure in the community. At 62, he was described by neighbors as a private person who took pride in his home and property.
He was the homeowner at the Collins Street residence where he was found, and, according to official social media posts from the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office, he was the only person residing at the property at the time.
Local law enforcement says the response to the welfare check came after concerns were raised by family members or associates who had not heard from him. Law enforcement officials treat welfare checks as routine but serious matters, especially when someone is known to live alone or has not been heard from for an extended period.
The investigation took a dramatic turn when deputies identified a person of interest in connection with the death. Authorities later announced that 67‑year‑old Kelli Nechkash, the wife of the deceased, is a suspect in the homicide.
Kelli Nechkash was most recently arrested the night before Todd’s body was found — around 11 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11 — for her sixth offense of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI).
According to law enforcement reports, during the ongoing investigation into Todd’s death, authorities developed information that led them to believe Kelli Nechkash was connected to the fatal incident.
While formal homicide charges are still pending and have not yet been filed, she remains a suspect — meaning investigators have determined there is reason to believe she may have been involved but have not yet completed all necessary steps to press charges.
Neighbors in Ridgeway, a village known for its tight community ties, expressed shock when news of the homicide broke. Many described Todd as a quiet but friendly resident, often seen maintaining his yard or working on small projects around town.
Close friends and family have not publicly released a formal obituary as of yet, and the family has asked for time and privacy while they grieve. The Iowa County Sheriff’s Office has asked residents and the public for assistance with the investigation.
They are particularly interested in any information about suspicious interactions or activity in the Village of Ridgeway on Wednesday, February 11 — the evening before Todd was found.
Additionally, authorities are requesting that people who live or work nearby and have security cameras register those systems with the sheriff’s office through the ICSO app to aid in collecting relevant footage.
There is no ongoing threat to the public, law enforcement officials stress. However, this incident has brought renewed awareness to the realities of crime and domestic investigation even in smaller rural communities. As the investigation continues, formal charges could be announced by the Iowa County District Attorney’s Office once all evidence is fully reviewed.
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