Portage County releases name in Rudolph area crash

For the Gazette

PORTAGE COUNTY – Portage County officials have released the name of the woman who died in a Rudolph area crash.

On Jan. 15, shortly after 8 a.m., the Wood County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a two vehicle crash on State Highway 13/34 at County Line Road, which was located in Portage County.

“Initial investigation indicates that an unidentified northbound pickup truck was turning onto County Line Road from STH 13/14. A dump truck driven by a 52-year-old male, also traveling northbound, slowed for the turning pickup truck, lost control of the dump truck and crossed the center line, striking a southbound vehicle driven by a 36-year-old female. The 36-year-old female succumbed to her injuries on scene. The male dump truck driver did not appear to be injured,” a Portage County Sheriff’s release stated.

The 36-year-old woman was later identified as Sara L. Budtke.

Individuals with information regarding the crash are asked to contact the Portage County Sheriff’s Office.

The Portage County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Wood County Sheriff’s Department, Rudolph EMR, Rudolph Fire Department, United ambulance, Portage County Traffic Incident Management team, and the Wisconsin State Patrol – Technical Reconstruction Unit.

The crash remains under investigation. Names are not being released at this time.