Head On Collision Kills 1 On Highway 10 Near Auburndale (UPDATED)

Wednesday, December 27th, 2023 -- 7:12 AM

On Tuesday afternoon Wood County Central Dispatch received the report of a head-on collision on US Highway 10 near Day Road in the Township of Auburndale.

Initial information indicates a Corolla was traveling eastbound behind a semi on US Highway 10, which is a 4 lane divided highway. The Corolla moved over to pass the semi. There was a Rav4 traveling westbound in the eastbound lane approaching this location. The Corolla and Rav4 collided head-on.

The sole occupant of the Rav4, Elsie Punke, 70, of Arpin, was transported to Marshfield Medical Center by Marshfield Ambulance in critical condition. The operator of the Corolla, Michael Baugh, 25, of Arpin, was pronounced deceased at the scene and the passenger, Alissah Hardesty, 23, also of Arpin was transported to Marshfield Medical Center by Marshfield Ambulance with minor injuries.

The crash is still under investigation and being reconstructed by the Wisconsin State Patrol.

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