On Friday, May 17th, 2024, at approximately 11:21 a.m., Sheriff Dale McCullick reports that the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a vehicle vs. utility terrain vehicle (UTV) on State Highway 171 approximately half of a mile east of State Highway 35 in the Township of Freeman.
An investigation determined that Susan Ruedisili (79) of Ferryville, Wisconsin, was attempting to cross the highway from a private driveway on a UTV, and she traveled into the lane of a westbound Jeep Cherokee operated by Mara Heisz (69) of Gays Mills, Wisconsin.
The UTV was struck on the passenger’s side causing the same to overturn on the highway. Ruedisili was ejected from the UTV, sustaining life-threatening injuries. She succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by Crawford County Coroner Joe Morovits.
Heisz sustained minor injuries and was transported to the hospital. Heisz’s passenger escaped without injury. The UTV and vehicle were severely damaged and towed from the scene.
The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Ferryville Fire Department, Ferryville First Responders, Gays Mills Fire Department, North Crawford Rescue Squad, Gundersen Ambulance, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Crawford County Highway Department, Crawford County Coroner, Bob’s Towning Service, and Vosseteig Funeral Home.