MIDDLETON, Wis. (AP) — The three victims who died in a fiery weekend crash in Dane County have been identified as two Middleton High School seniors and a former student, according to an email the principal sent to parents.
Authorities have not released their names.
Sheriff’s officials say a vehicle rear-ended another vehicle in the town of Middleton Saturday about 10:15 p.m. The vehicle that was struck ended up in a farm field and became engulfed in flames. The three occupants in that vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene.
The other vehicle ended up in the ditch. The driver, the sole occupant, was taken to the hospital with serious injuries that are not believed to be life threatening.
“Our hearts are heavy with this devastating news,” Middleton High School Principal Peg Shoemaker said in the email to parents. “We know the only way we will cope with this grief is to be together.”
About 100 students and staff gathered in the bleachers outside the school for a vigil Sunday. Grief counselors will be available throughout the week to support students and staff.
Homecoming activities were scheduled to begin Monday at the high school, but Shoemaker said staff will be meeting with students to determine how best to handle those events.
