Car vs. Dump Truck Crash - Fatality **UPDATED**

UPDATED NEWS RELEASE 

NAMES RELEASED

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

The operator of the Impala was Melissa J. Heitke, age 37, of Portage, Wisconsin.  Heitke was transported from the scene by UW MedFlight to UW Hospital.  She died from injuries sustained in the crash on September 17, 2021.  

The operator of the dump truck was William J. Obermeier, age 48, of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.  

NEWS RELEASE

CAR VS DUMP TRUCK FATALITY CRASH

SEPTEMBER 17, 2021

On Friday, September 17th, 2021 at approximately 1:27 PM the Sauk County Dispatch Center was notified of a car vs. dump truck crash on State Highway 136 west of the intersection with Excelsior Drive in the Township of Excelsior. Initial information received was that the dump truck was on its side and the car had suffered severe damage. 

The first responding deputies on scene located the crash between a 2003 Chevrolet Impala and a 1999 Freightliner dump truck which had resulted in total blockage of the roadway in both directions. The driver of the Freightliner suffered suspected minor injuries as a result of the crash. The driver of the Impala had to be extricated from the vehicle with severe injuries and was transported from the scene via UW Medflight to UW Madison where they were pronounced deceased as a result of the crash. 

Preliminary investigation shows that the Impala crossed the centerline of the roadway prior to the collision with the Freightliner. The crash remains under investigation by the Sauk County Sheriff's Office and the Wisconsin State Patrol. Names of those involved are being withheld pending notification of family. 

Assisting the Sauk County Sheriff's Office at the scene were members of the Wisconsin State Patrol, North Freedom Fire Department, North Freedom First Responders, Baraboo Fire Department, Baraboo EMS, UW Medflight, the Sauk County Highway Department, Mike's Towing and Craig's Towing. 

Chip Meister

Sauk County Sheriff