MEDFORD, WI (OnFocus) – Charges are being referred to the Taylor County District Attorney’s Office for Skyler Opelt, 35, of Medford after he struck an Amish buggy from behind on Nov. 24.
Opelt was traveling northbound on County Highway E in Taylor County at around 2:44 p.m. when he collided with the rear end of the buggy. It contained 10 passengers and nine of those were injured as a result of the collision.
The victims were largely children and the names are being withheld at this time. The mother of the children was also in the buggy and was severely injured in the accident. She ultimately succumbed to her injuries and died on Nov. 26.
Charges against Opelt consist of:
- Seven counts of Operating a Motor Vehicle While Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance Causing Injury
- Homicide by Negligent Operation of a Vehicle
- 2nd Degree Reckless Injury
Opelt was also on probation at the time of the incident and is being held on a probation hold as a result of this incident.
The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the incident. Charge requests may change as the investigation continues.
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