Woman killed in 3-car crash Sunday in Wisconsin

Star Tribune

Last update: May 4, 2009 - 9:02 PM

An Oakdale pickup truck driver with the right of way struck a minivan that pulled into his path in a western Wisconsin intersection, killing the van's driver, authorities said Monday.

Eunice J. Mueller, 81, of Clear Lake, Wis., died Sunday in the crash at County Roads T and G in Erin Prairie Township, the St. Croix County Sheriff's Office said.

According to the Sheriff's Office: Mueller was sitting at a stop sign on northbound County Road T at County Road G. Lisa Nelson, 37, of New Richmond, Wis., was stopped on southbound County Road T at the same intersection.

A pickup driven by James Mitchell, 52, hit Mueller's van after she pulled into the intersection, rolling the van into a ditch. The pickup then struck Nelson's van, which was still sitting at the stop sign.

Stop signs are only at that intersection for traffic on County Road T.

There wasn't "any chance at all [for Mitchell] to avoid the accident," said Sheriff Dennis Hillstead.

Mueller was dead at the scene. Mitchell and Nelson were slightly hurt. Mueller was not wearing a seat belt, the Sheriff's Office said.

PAUL WALSH