Blowing Snow Contributed To Deadly Crash: Authorities

PIERCE COUNTY, WI — Authorities say high winds and blowing snow were partially to blame in knocking an 18-year-old driver into an oncoming lane of traffic and causing a life-threatening crash.

On Dec. 11, at about 3:30 p.m., a Wisconsin State Patrol Trooper and the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department responded to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Highway 63 and County Road Y.

Authorities said the driver of a 2006 Buick, identified as 18-year-old Ryan Lester of Bay City, Wis. was traveling north on Highway 63 when his vehicle hit an area of blowing and drifting snow, causing Lester to lose control and go into the south lane of Highway 63.

Authorities said after losing control, Lester went into the south lane of traffic and was struck by a 2014 Jeep that was traveling south, causing extensive damage. The driver of that Jeep, was Jason Anderson of Woodville, Wis.

According to reports, Lester did not have his seatbelt on at the time of the crash, and was air lifted from the scene to Regions Hospital in St. Paul with life-threating injuries.

Anderson was wearing his seatbelt and did not appear to have any injuries. The crash remains under investigation by the WI State Patrol.

Image Via State Patrol