Head-On Crash Kills MN Girl, 12, And Wisconsin Teen

PEPIN COUNTY, WI — Authorities in southwestern Wisconsin are investigating after a head-on crash killed a 12-year-old Minnesota girl and an 18-year-old Wisconsin man.

On Friday at around 2:40 pm, the Pepin County Sheriff’s Office received calls reporting a serious traffic crash that caused a vehicle to catch fire while several people — including children — were inside.

The crash happened east of Highway 10 and Sylvester Road in northwestern Pepin County, authorities said.

Bystanders with medical training pulled those trapped from the vehicle and provided treatment. The first deputy at the scene extinguished the fire.

Authorities say an 18-year-old driving a 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix was driving east on Highway 10 when he crossed into the westbound lanes and struck a westbound 2016 Chevrolet Silverado head-on.

The 18-year-old Pontiac driver — identified as Ethan R. Whitwam, of Durand, Wisconsin — died at the scene. He was the sole occupant of the vehicle.

The Silverado truck was carrying four members of a family from Waseca, Minnesota.

One of the passengers — a 12-year-old girl identified as Joeclynn J.A. Passon — died at the scene.

Her father, mother, and younger brother survived the crash but suffered serious injuries and were hospitalized.

Steven M. Passon, 40, was helicoptered to an Eau Claire hospital and is still being treated.

Jessica A. Passon, 36, was taken by ambulance to an Eau Claire hospital, treated, and then released.

Drake M. Passon, 8, was helicoptered to a Minneapolis hospital and is still being treated.