A late-afternoon head-on crash in the Town of Burlington on March 18 left a 32-year-old woman dead and two others seriously injured, according to authorities. Deputies say the collision unfolded when a Chevrolet Malibu crossed the centerline into oncoming traffic and slammed into an SUV. The Malibu's driver, identified as 31-year-old Dakota Morand of Johnsburg, Illinois, was treated at the scene, then taken for additional medical care, as per FOX6 News Milwaukee.
The wreck happened on South Pine Street near Schaal Road at about 4:22 p.m., according to a Racine County Sheriff's Office news release cited by FOX6 News Milwaukee. Witnesses told investigators that a southbound SUV braked hard and swerved in an attempt to avoid the Malibu, but the vehicles still collided head-on at high speed. The SUV's driver, a 61-year-old woman from Burlington, was seriously hurt and had to be extricated. A 32-year-old woman from Kenosha who was riding in the Malibu died at the scene.
Racine County Sheriff Chris Schmaling called it “a violent and entirely preventable crash” and said “an innocent woman lost her life,” according to FOX6 News Milwaukee. Deputies say they determined the Malibu's driver was impaired at the time of the collision. Investigators obtained a search warrant, and hospital staff drew Morand's blood, with samples headed to the Wisconsin Crime Laboratory for testing.
Charges and investigation
Investigators say they will recommend that the Racine County District Attorney's Office pursue charges that include homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle and operating while intoxicated causing great bodily harm. Because Morand is still hospitalized, the sheriff's office says no booking photo is available. Any formal charges or court dates will depend on decisions by the DA's office as well as Morand's medical condition. The sheriff's office says the investigation remains active and is asking anyone with additional information to come forward.
Victims and response
Authorities identified the Malibu passenger who died as a 32-year-old woman from Kenosha. The SUV driver, a 61-year-old Burlington woman, is recovering from serious injuries after being freed from the wreckage. Morand was first treated at Burlington Memorial Hospital and then transferred to Froedtert Hospital. Multiple agencies responded to the crash, including Flight for Life, and South Pine Street remained closed into the evening while investigators worked the scene.
What happens next
The Racine County District Attorney's Office will now review the investigative reports and formal charging recommendations before deciding whether to file homicide and OWI counts. The Racine County Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation and is asking anyone who has tips or video related to the crash to contact deputies.
