Posted on Jul 12, 2011

Karlie A. Hurlbert, aged 23 of Onalska, was driving a Saturn Ion on Highway 35 in Holmen with four other women of the same town, when the car was violently struck from behind by a 1983 Chevrolet pickup truck.

23-year-old Theresa J. Kroes was killed by the impact, while the other three passengers, Amy T. Rentschler, 23, Jaime B. Panzer, 23, and Molly E. Mitzefeldt, 22, were injured and transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries, according to a report by WXOW.com. Three are still hospitalized and one has been released.

The accident happened Saturday around 4.15 p.m. Kroes was the only one in the Saturn not wearing a seat belt.

Jesse L. Hermann. 27, of Holmen, the driver of the pickup truck, first tried to flee the scene. He was arrested by bystanders who held him down until authorities arrived on the scene. He was later taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries. According to the La Crosse County Sheriff's Department, this is not Hermann's first offense. His Wisconsin court records indicate he is a repeat offender with previous charges of DWI, disorderly conduct, bail jumping, battery and carrying a concealed weapon.

The attorneys of Hupy & Abraham send their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Theresa Kroes.