Wisconsin Rapids City Times

Top Menu

  • Contact Us
  • E-Editions
  • Business Directory
  • Subscribe

Main Menu

  • Contact Us
  • E-Editions
  • Business Directory
  • Subscribe
  • Contact Us
  • E-Editions
  • Business Directory
  • Subscribe

logo

Wisconsin Rapids City Times

  • Contact Us
  • E-Editions
  • Business Directory
  • Subscribe
Courts
Home›Courts›Meth Deemed Possible Cause of Fatal October Crash

Meth Deemed Possible Cause of Fatal October Crash

By Julie Schooley
June 12, 2017
950
0
Share:

By Joe Bachman

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — A 31-year-old resident faces two counts of homicide by a vehicle after causing the deaths of two others in a fatal crash in Dexter last year.

On Oct. 25, an accident involving two vehicles reported on State Highway 80 caused the deaths of 71-year-old Barbara Baldwin, and 74-year-old Louise Hemingway, of New Lisbon. According to reports, a 1998 Jeep Cherokee, driven by then 30-year-old Gregory Kopelke, had been driving north on 80 and failed to negotiate the curve, crossed the centerline, and hit the driver and passengers of the other vehicle in a 2009 Pontiac Vibe head on.

According to the Wisconsin State Patrol Technical Reconstruction Unit, Kopelke failed to stay in his lane through the portion of the highway that curved from left to right. A second passenger was injured from the crash and included fractures of the sternum, clavicle, elbows, a collapsed lung, as well as a fracture of the spine.

Kopelke was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield where a blood test revealed he had 230 ug/L of methamphetamine in his system. At the time, Kopelke had been driving illegally, as his privileges had been revoked due to prior convictions.

Kopelke faces two counts of homicide by a vehicle while under a controlled substance, injury by vehicle while under a controlled substance, two counts of knowingly operating a vehicle while revoked which led to death, and great bodily harm.

If convicted, he faces up to 78 years imprisonment, and up to $250,000 in fines. His initial court appearance is slated for June 15.

 

 

TagsFeatured
Previous Article

Rafters Win 10th Straight With Complete Performance

Next Article

Aspirus Riverview Receives Excellence Award in Wound ...

0
Shares
  • 0
  • +
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

Related articles More from author

  • Top Stories

    Three reappointed to MSTC Board

    April 11, 2015
    By admin
  • Top Stories

    WRPD Looking for a Little Help

    April 11, 2015
    By admin
  • Top Stories

    Nekoosa Students Place in Business Competition; Team Takes Third

    April 16, 2015
    By admin
  • Editorial

    Inviting New Readers, Long-Time Supporters to Take a New Journey with Us

    April 16, 2015
    By admin
  • Top Stories

    NEW: Riverview Discontinuing Rapid Care Services

    April 17, 2015
    By admin
  • Lincoln High School
    Top Stories

    Red Raiders’ Fall Sport Signup Dates

    April 26, 2015
    By admin
Copyright © 2020 Multi Media Channels LLC.
All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified or adapted without the prior written consent of Multi Media Channels LLC.
×