Fatal Traffic Crash on STH 69
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Sue Moen
The first MedFlight helicopter takes off from the accident.
A New Glarus man died and two New Glarus residents were injured in a three-vehicle crash on STH 69, approximately .1 mile south of Highland Drive, north of the Village of New Glarus on Friday morning.
At 8:10 a.m., on Friday, January 13, 2023, the Green County Sheriff's Office received multiple 911 calls reporting a three-vehicle crash with injuries on STH 69, a little more than one mile north of the Village of New Glarus. Deputies, along with New Glarus Area EMS, New Glarus Fire Department, Belleville Fire Department, Green County EMS, Fitch-Rona EMS and two UW MedFlight helicopters were all dispatched to the scene.
Initial investigation indicated that Peter J. Weix, 57, New Glarus, was northbound on STH 69 operating a Volkswagen Beetle, following a Toyota Rav4 SUV operated by Ruth A. Zuber, 61, also of New Glarus. The Volkswagen apparently made a passing maneuver of the Toyota on the right shoulder, slid broadside in front of the Zuber vehicle after completing the pass, and was struck broadside by the Toyota Rav4. The Volkswagen then entered the path of a southbound Subaru Legacy automobile operated by Joyce A. Jensen, 62, New Glarus, and the resulting collision sent both vehicles to the west shoulder of the highway, while the Toyota came to rest in the northbound lane of STH 69.
Sue Moen
The Green County Highway Department assisted with traffic control.
Despite lifesaving efforts by first responders, Peter Weix was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Green County Coroner. Joyce Jensen was transported by UW MedFlight helicopter to a Madison Hospital with critical injuries, while Ruth Zuber did not immediately seek medical treatment. Airbags deployed in all three vehicles and all three drivers were believed to be wearing safety belts. Road conditions did not appear to be a contributing factor in the crash.
The Wisconsin State Patrol assisted by sending a crash reconstruction team to the scene and the Green County Highway Department responded with barricades and personnel to detour traffic. The highway was closed for approximately 6 hours.
The crash, which is Green County's first traffic fatality in 2023, remains under investigation.
Jeff Skatrud, Green County Sheriff
