DARLINGTON — Police are investigating a hit-and-run crash on Wisconsin 81 that threw a horse-drawn buggy into the ditch, killing the horse and injuring the buggy driver, early Sunday, Sept. 15.

The accident happened shortly before 3 a.m. in the 17000 block of Wis. 81, Town of Darlington, according to the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office.

The open buggy, pulled by a single horse, was being driven eastbound by Joseph S. King, 20, Darlington, when the buggy was struck from behind by an eastbound vehicle. King, the buggy and the horse were all thrown into the south ditch.

The eastbound vehicle did not stop and fled the scene. King was able to make contact with someone at a nearby residence who called 911 to report the crash at 2:57 a.m.

King sustained non-life threatening injuries and was transported to Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County. The horse was killed in the crash and the buggy was severely damaged.

This crash remains under investigation and the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance with locating the driver and vehicle that left the scene of this crash. Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 608-776-4870.