Fatal Accident on State Highway 154

NEWS RELEASE

On, April 16, 2010 at 10:38 pm, Sauk County Communications Center received a 911 call of a vehicle - horse accident on State Highway 154 in the Township of Washington. Hillpoint Fire and First Responders, Reedsburg Ambulance and Sauk County Sheriff's Department responded to the crash.

Initial investigation reveals that a vehicle eastbound on Highway 154 struck a horse that was in the roadway. The vehicle then continued into the ditch and rolled over. The horse owner was trying to corral the horse at the time of the crash.

The operator and passenger of the vehicle were transported to Reedsburg Area Medical Center. The operator was pronounced dead by Sauk County Coroner Betty Hinze due to severe injuries. The passenger received minor injuries from the crash. Speed and alcohol do not appear to factors in the crash. Names are being withheld pending notification of family.

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Chief Deputy Chip Meister

********************************UPDATE**********************************

The driver in the crash was identified as Matthew K. Pellett, age 22, of Lone Rock. The occupant in the vehicle was identified as Ashley M. Payton, age 22, of Richland Center.