NEW GLARUS - Green County had its first road fatality of 2023 during the morning hours of Friday, Jan. 13.

A New Glarus man died and two New Glarus residents were injured in a three vehicle crash on Wis. 69, approximately 1/10th of a mile south of Highland Drive, north of the Village of New Glarus, according to Green County Sheriff Jeff Skatrud.

At 8:10 a.m., the Green County Sheriff's Office received multiple 911 calls reporting a three vehicle crash with injuries on Wis. 69, a little more than one mile north of the Village of New Glarus. Deputies, along with New Glarus EMS, New Glarus Fire, Belleville Fire, Green County EMS, Fitch-Rona EMS and two UW Med Flight helicopters were all dispatched to the scene.

Initial investigation indicated that Peter J. Weix, age 57 of New Glarus was northbound on Wis. 69, operating a Volkswagen Beetle, following a Toyota Rav4 SUV operated by Ruth A. Zuber, age 61, also of New Glarus. The Volkswagen apparently made a passing maneuver of the Toyota on the right shoulder, slid broadside in front of the Zuber vehicle after completing the pass and was struck broadside by the Toyota Rav4. The Volkswagen then entered the path of a southbound Subaru Legacy automobile operated by Joyce A. Jensen, age 62 of New Glarus, and the resulting collision sent both vehicles to the west shoulder of the highway, while the Toyota came to rest in the northbound lane of Wis. 69.

Despite lifesaving efforts by First Responders, Peter Weix was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Green County Coroner. Joyce Jensen was transported by Med Flight helicopter to a Madison Hospital with critical injuries, while Ruth Zuber did not immediately seek medical treatment. Airbags deployed in all three vehicles and all three drivers were believed to be wearing safety belts. Road conditions did not appear to be a contributing factor in the crash.

The Wisconsin State Patrol assisted by sending a crash reconstruction team to the scene and the Green County Highway Department responded with barricades and personnel to detour traffic. The highway was closed for approximately 6 hours and reopened mid afternoon on Friday.

The crash, which is Green County's first traffic fatality in 2023, remains under investigation.