City Times Staff

HANSEN — A Monday evening crash involving an SUV and a horse-drawn carriage has claimed one life.

According to a Wood Co. Sheriff news release, at approximately 6:57 p.m. an accident was reported in the Town of Hansen by State Highway 73. A horse-drawn carriage was headed southbound on Oak Rd. and began to cross State Highway 73, and was struck by an SUV traveling westbound.

The ensuing accident ejected both occupants from the carriage. The 17-year-old carriage operator was air-lifted by Spirit Air to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield. Her condition at this time is unknown. The passenger of the carriage, identified as 20-year-old Arpin native Rebecca Helmuth, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the SUV, identified as 43-year-old Granton native Audrey Hanson, suffered non-life threatening injuries and was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital via Pittsville Ambulance.

According to authorities, alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash. State Highway 73 was closed until approximately 10:49 p.m. as a result of the incident.

Agencies and emergency crew the responded to the scene include the Wood Co. Sheriff’s Department, Pittsville Ambulance, Vesper Fire Department/EMS, Spirit Air, Wood Co. Sheriff’s Rescue, Wood Co. Coroner, Wisconsin State Patrol, and the Wood Co. Highway Department.

The accident remains under investigation.