A two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Les Paul Parkway and River Valley Road in Waukesha on Tuesday afternoon left one driver dead and another injured, according to police. First responders were called just before 1:30 p.m., and crews closed the intersection while investigators worked. The collision backed up traffic along Highway 59 during the afternoon commute and forced detours through nearby neighborhoods.
Waukesha police told reporters that one driver suffered what they described as "significant injuries" and later died at a local hospital despite life-saving efforts. The department is withholding the victim's name until family members are notified, according to FOX6 News Milwaukee.
Officials said two vehicles were involved and that each carried only its driver. The surviving driver was taken to a hospital with minor injuries. The Wisconsin State Patrol's Traffic Reconstruction Unit is assisting Waukesha police, and the intersection was shut down while the crash was reconstructed, as reported by CBS58.
Neighborhood Worries Over River Valley Access
The stretch where the crash occurred has been a sore spot for neighbors ever since River Valley Road was connected to Les Paul Parkway. Residents have told reporters the link-up brought more cut-through traffic and riskier driving to their once-quiet street. FOX6 previously reported that residents had asked the city to consider traffic-calming measures and new limits on access along River Valley Road, concerns that have resurfaced in the wake of this collision.
Police are asking anyone who saw the crash or has relevant dash-cam footage to contact the Waukesha Police Department. Drivers were also urged to steer clear of the area while investigators continue their work, and officials have released few additional details as the probe moves forward, per CBS58.
