Names of Individuals Involved in Fatal Crash Near Neillsville Released
Monday, December 18th, 2017 -- 10:39 AM
-Two people are dead after the vehicle they were traveling in was involved in a vehicle crash on Highway 10 by Sidney Avenue in the Township of Pine Valley.The Clark County Sheriff’s Office received a 9-1-1 call of the crash at about 11:13pm, on Friday December 15th. An initial investigation indicates that a Chevy pickup, driven by a 26-year-old Trenton Bemis, was traveling west on 10 when it crossed the centerline by Sidney Avenue. After it crossed the centerline it struck an east bound Chevy Impala head-on. The truck then entered the south ditch and came to rest facing a southerly direction. The car came to rest also facing a southerly direction in the east bound lane. The two female occupants in the car, 29-year-old Michelle Kunze and her passenger, 35-year-old Genie Carrillo, were pronounced dead at the scene by the Clark County Coroner. Bemis was taken to the Neillsville Hospital and then the Marshfield Medical Center for incapacitating injuries. It’s believed Bemis was operating while intoxicated.
Both Kunze and Carillo were wearing their seatbelts and are from the Neillsville area. Bemis was by himself in the truck, from the Humbird area, and it’s believed he was also wearing his seatbelt. Speed, road conditions and driver impairment appear to be factors in the accident.
The Neillsville Area Fire and Ambulance Service responded to the scene with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and Clark County Coroner. The investigation is continuing by the Clark County Sheriff’s and Coroner’s Office. This is the 8th and 9th traffic fatality in Clark County for 2017.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page has been set up for the victims. Kunze and Carillo leave behind a combined eight children. Kelsey Zachow says that she is looking to raise money to help with funeral arrangements and help those children have a good Christmas. The kids are ranging in age from four-to-17.
For more information, visit gofundme.com/makingachristmasmiracle. Strike Time Lanes in Neillsville, and Bey's Bar in Marshfield are also involved in the fundraising efforts as well.
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