Hallie J. Helgeson Obituary, Death: A Deadly Crash on Interstate 90

A tragic incident on Interstate 90 in Wisconsin has claimed the life of 18-year-old Hallie J. Helgeson from Montevideo, Minnesota. The deadly crash occurred early Sunday morning in the Town of Vienna, and preliminary autopsy results confirmed that Helgeson died from injuries sustained in the crash. The Wisconsin State Patrol responded to reports of a serious collision just after midnight, which involved injuries, people trapped in vehicles, and a fire .

*The Crash*

The crash, which was described as a possible head-on collision, happened when an SUV traveling south in the northbound lanes of I-90 struck a compact SUV. The impact caused the SUV that was driving the wrong way to burst into flames. Helgeson, who was a passenger in the compact SUV that was hit, died at the scene. The driver of that vehicle was critically injured and had to be airlifted to a hospital by UW MedFlight .

*Investigation*

The driver of the wrong-way SUV was taken to the hospital for treatment and was later arrested for Operating While Impaired (OWI), suspecting alcohol or drug use may have played a role in the crash. Authorities are still investigating the incident and are working to piece together all the circumstances that led to the tragic events of that night .

*Secondary Crash*

As officers investigated the fatal wreck and began reconstructing the accident scene, a secondary crash occurred nearby. A sedan struck a DeForest Police Department squad car that was parked on the left shoulder of the southbound side of the interstate. Both occupants of the sedan involved in the second crash sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital. The driver of the sedan was also arrested for OWI, marking a second impaired driving arrest related to the crash investigation .

*Impaired Driving*

The series of incidents highlights ongoing concerns about impaired driving and wrong-way crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), impaired driving is a major public health concern, and it is essential to take steps to prevent such tragedies in the future. The Wisconsin State Patrol emphasized the importance of safe driving and called on drivers to avoid impaired driving .

*Community Response*

Helgeson’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief and concern, particularly as she was just beginning her adult life. The community is coming together to support her family and friends during this difficult time. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for drivers to be aware of their surroundings .

*Conclusion*

The tragic death of Hallie J. Helgeson is a devastating reminder of the impact of impaired driving and wrong-way crashes. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to piece together the events leading up to the incident. The community comes together to support the family and friends of Helgeson, and the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and responsible behavior .