RUDOLPH, Wis. (WSAU) - Speed and alcohol appear to be factors in a fatal traffic crash early Saturday in Portage County.
Four people were in the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado pickup that left the roadway and crashed. This happened at 2:14 a.m. on Gumz Road just west of County Highway II in the Town of Linwood. 22-year-old Tim Saaveda of Loyal was the driver. Deputies say he was eastbound on Gumz Road and lost control on the gravel roadway, left the road, and struck several trees.
21-year-old Lee Hogan of Rudolph was a front seat passenger. Hogan was taken by Spirit Helicopter to St. Joseph’s Hospital for treatment. 21-year-old Stephanie Eberhardt of Wisconsin Rapids and 21-year-old Melissa Peterson of Wisconsin Rapids died from their injuries.
Deputies, first responders, Portage County Ambulance, Rudolph Fire and Rescue staff, and the Spirit Helicopter responded.
Saaveda was treated for injuries, and then arrested. He is now in the Portage County jail. Charges will likely be filed against him Monday.