Man Accused Of Driving While Impaired In Crash That Killed His Girlfriend

BURLINGTON, WI — A McHenry County man is accused of driving while impaired in a collision that killed his girlfriend on Wednesday in Racine County, Wisconsin.

Dakota J. Morand, 31, of Johnsburg, was driving a northbound Chevrolet Malibu on South Pine Street near Schaal Road in the town of Burlington around 4:20 p.m. Wednesday when the car drifted into oncoming traffic. A southbound SUV attempted to avoid the vehicle but collided head-on at highway speeds, police said.

A passenger in the car, a 32-year-old woman from Kenosha, Wisconsin, was critically injured and pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts, including the response of Flight For Life.

Morand was seriously injured and was initially treated at Burlington Memorial Hospital before being transferred to Froedtert Hospital. Investigators determined Morand was impaired at the time of the crash, police said.

The Racine County Sheriff’s Major Crash Assistance Team conducted an extensive investigation at the scene, and charging recommendations will be submitted to the Racine County District Attorney's Office, including homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle and operating while intoxicated causing great bodily harm, according to a news release from the Racine County Sheriff's Office

“This was a violent and entirely preventable crash,” Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling said. “An innocent woman lost her life, and another victim is seriously injured because someone chose to get behind the wheel while impaired. We will hold the driver fully accountable.”

The crash remains under investigation.