Girl, 17, arrested after fatal alcohol-related crash

Star Tribune

Last update: July 15, 2009 - 8:56 PM

A 17-year-old girl was arrested in western Wisconsin, suspected of supplying alcohol that contributed to the fatal rollover of a pickup truck that was being driven by a 14-year-old girl who had been drinking and had two passengers with her.

The single-vehicle wreck occurred about 10:30 p.m. on July 4 south of Turtle Lake in Barron County.

Dead at the scene was Rhonda Hellstern, 17, who was to be a senior at Turtle Lake High School. Last September, her 23-year-old brother, Tony Hellstern, also was killed in a traffic accident.

The arrested 17-year-old, Danielle Nordquist, of Clayton, Wis., also was in the pickup and could be charged with providing alcohol to a minor leading to injury. She was jailed Monday night and released the next day.

Deputies say that the driver, Hanna Yager, of Clayton, had been drinking. Speeding was also suspected to be a factor in the crash.

All three girls were thrown from the pickup as it rolled over.

Hellstern was active in high school, participating in band, cheerleading and as a wrestling manager. She also cared for her horses. Her lifelong love of animals inspired her to pursue an education in veterinary medicine.

PAUL WALSH