By Joe Bachman

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — A 22-year-old Nekoosa woman has been charged with the death of a California man, after a 2016 car accident in the Village of Port Edwards.

According to police reports, on Feb. 19, 2016, authorities responded to a crash reported on the 6100 block of County Highway Z in Port Edwards. An officer observed two vehicles, one of which carried a lone male passenger in the rear seat. Later identified as 55-year-old William McDowell, of Valencia, Calif., he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Reports indicate that the driver of the other vehicle, identified as Kaylee LaCoste, told police that she had been heading northbound on County Highway Z when she lost control of the vehicle due to icy terrain. LaCoste slid into the other lane and a crash ensued. Three passengers from both vehicles received further medical attention after the accident occurred.

After the crash, LaCoste had a blood sample taken from her at Riverview Hospital, in which she tested positive for cocaine.

If convicted for the charge of homicide by vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance, LaCoste faces up to 25 years imprisonment and up to $25,000 in fines. She faces additional fines for three counts of causing injury while operating a vehicle under the influence. Her initial appearance is set for July 13.