DIP News Monday 6-26-2023 Grant County Wisconsin

A fatal crash happened on Highway 18, near Hicklin Hollow Road, on 6/25/23 at 1817.

Dale H. Klemme age 73 of Prairie Du Chien, was driving westbound on Highway 18 in his Toyota RAV4. 57-year-old Benjamin J. Steiger of Bloomington drove eastbound in his Ram 1500. Benjamin’s truck crossed the center line and struck Dale’s SUV head-on.

As a result of the crash, Dale’s wife, Cheryl A. Mader, 73, of Prairie Du Chien, died at the scene due to injuries sustained in the crash. Injuries to Dale Klemme and both granddaughters were critical, ages 7 and 5. Benjamin Steiger sustained minor injuries and refused medical treatment.

After an on-scene investigation by Sheriff’s Deputies, Benjamin Steiger was found to be heavily intoxicated by alcohol and marijuana. Benjamin was arrested and is held in the Grant County Jail on charges of Homicide by Intoxicated Use of a Vehicle. He is also charged with Causing Injury while Operating While Intoxicated, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

The Grant County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by West Grant EMS, Mt. Hope Fire Department, Bloomington Fire Department, Wisconsin State Patrol Reconstruction Team, the Grant County Coroner, B & M Towing and Collision Specialists.

This case is still under investigation.

Persons arrested and/or referred for charges by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law. An arrest only indicates probable cause for formal charges. The names of victims and witnesses to a crime have been withheld per Wisconsin Statute §950.04

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