News Summary
A 76-year-old woman, Bobbie Wade, died after being struck by a suspected drunk driver on I-43 while trying to assist at an earlier crash scene. The tragic incident occurred near North Avenue, leading to lane closures and an ongoing investigation by authorities. The driver was arrested on suspicion of operating while intoxicated. Another rollover crash occurred the same day, highlighting the risks of road safety and impaired driving.
Milwaukee, WI – A tragic incident on Interstate 43 claimed the life of a 76-year-old woman, Bobbie Wade, after she was struck by a suspected drunk driver while responding to an earlier crash. The accident took place on Thursday morning near North Avenue.
The initial crash occurred around 4 a.m., involving a car and a pickup truck towing a travel trailer. Bobbie Wade was believed to be a relative of someone involved in this accident. After arriving at the crash scene, she exited her vehicle and began to walk around the site to assist. Tragically, she was struck by a 25-year-old man from Milwaukee driving an unrelated vehicle. The driver was taken into custody on suspicion of operating while intoxicated (OWI).
Wade suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. As a result of the incident, all northbound lanes of I-43 were closed for several hours, creating significant traffic delays. The lanes were reopened around 8 a.m. after authorities completed their investigation. The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office is currently handling the ongoing investigation.
In a separate event on the same day, a rollover crash occurred on the southbound side of I-43, near Highland Avenue in downtown Milwaukee. At that time, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) cameras captured images of a car that had rolled onto its side while first responders attended the scene. This incident led to the closure of multiple lanes, and the wreck was cleared by approximately 4:35 p.m. However, the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office was not called to the scene of the rollover crash.
The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office has yet to provide a detailed update on either incident since the initial communication. As the investigation continues into both fatalities, authorities expect to release more information regarding the circumstances surrounding these tragedies.
Milwaukee County Supervisor Priscilla E. Coggs-Jones commented on the situation, emphasizing the inherent risks faced by individuals who rush to assist in crisis situations and the critical need for increased awareness regarding the dangers of impaired and reckless driving.
The deaths on the highway highlight not only the unpredictable dangers of the road but also the serious implications of driving under the influence. As investigations by local authorities continue, the community’s focus remains on understanding how these events unfolded and preventing similar occurrences in the future.
As this story develops, residents are reminded of the importance of road safety and the responsibilities that come with operating a vehicle. Being aware of surroundings and the potential hazards on the road, especially during emergencies, is crucial in ensuring the safety of all involved.
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Additional Resources
- Fox6Now: I-43 Crash Downtown Milwaukee
- Wikipedia: Road Safety
- JS Online: I-43 Crash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- WISN: Deadly Crash Closes I-43
- Google News: I-43 Crash Milwaukee
- TMJ4: I-43 Northbound Closed
- Google Search: Vehicular Accidents Statistics
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
