A mother and her adult son died within hours of one another in two fatal car accidents on an early Sunday morning. The drivers in both West Allis accidents are being held responsible for the victims’ deaths.
The 45-year-old woman died in a hit-and-run auto accident around 1 a.m. Investigators say a vehicle struck and killed the woman, who apparently was lying in the street. The driver sped away. He was later found and charged with fleeing the accident scene.
The victim’s son was riding in a Jeep with two other men when he received a call that his mother was hurt. Police say the 22-year-old was a passenger in the vehicle driven by an intoxicated, panicked driver.
The 21-year-old Milwaukee driver admitted to authorities that he raced the Jeep at speeds of up to 90 mph to reach Aurora West Allis Medical Center. The young men believed the mother had been taken to that facility.
The driver estimated the vehicle was moving at around 60 mph when he lost control. The vehicle overturned, severely injuring both passengers.
The son of the victim of the hit-and-run was pronounced dead at Froedtert Hospital shortly before 5 a.m. He suffered catastrophic neck and head injuries. The second male passenger survived with fractures to his ribs and spine.
Investigators say the Jeep driver failed an alcohol breath test. Nearly two hours after the Jeep flipped, the suspect’s blood alcohol content was 0.113, exceeding the state intoxication limit of 0.08.
Police say the Milwaukee driver who attempted to speed his friend to the hospital is now charged with killing the man he tried to help and injuring a second friend.
Sadly, both of these accidents show just how catastrophic and devastating negligent or reckless driving can be. As the family and friends of this woman and her son attempt to cope with such a tragic loss, hopefully drivers across Wisconsin will learn from their loss and take extra precautions to be safe on the roads.
Source: jsonline.com, “Milwaukee man charged with homicide in fatal West Allis crash,” Crocker Stephenson, May 2, 2012
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