History of drunk driving: Suspect in hit-and-run crash that killed 3 women turns himself in
MILWAUKEE -- The suspected driver in the October 23rd hit-and-run crash that killed three young women from Chicago turned himself in to Milwaukee police on Monday, October 24th.
3 women killed in crash at 2nd and Clybourn
Police say the wreck happened around 2:45 a.m. on October 23rd near 2nd and Clybourn.
A Lexus was southbound on 2nd Street when it apparently disregarded a solid red light and slammed into a Ford that was westbound on Clybourn.
"It was loud. It sounded like a 'boom,'" Demone Madison, who witnessed the crash said.
Officials say the two male occupants of the Lexus fled the scene on foot after the crash. The suspected driver, a 23-year-old man, turned himself in to Milwaukee police Monday afternoon.
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The women who were killed in the crash have been identified as 30-year-old Ashley Sawatzke, 32-year-old Amy Taylor, and 35-year-old Lindsey Cohen. All three women were from Chicago, Illinois -- and they were co-workers at an advertising firm in Chicago.
They were headed to the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel in Milwaukee at the time of the crash, according to the medical examiner's report.
Sawatzke died at the scene as a result of multiple blunt force injuries. FOX6 News has learned her parents live in Menomonee Falls.
Taylor died at the scene as a result of multiple blunt force injuries.
Cohen died at Froedtert Hospital as a result of blunt force injuries to her abdomen.
The 41-year-old man who was driving the Ford was acting as an “Uber” driver. He remains hospitalized with critical injuries. The three women were his passengers -- seated in the back of the vehicle.
According to the medical examiner's report, speed was a factor in this crash.
The medical examiner's report notes that both 2nd and Clybourn are one-way streets.
Tonise Paul, president & CEO of Energy BBDO, where all three women worked before Ashley Sawatzke moved on to Leo Burnett earlier this year, issued this statement:
“We are absolutely devastated by the loss of these three incredible, exuberant young women who were taken from us far too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones at this tragic moment. The grief of their absence is felt deeply across our Energy BBDO family.”
Officials with Leo Burnett, where Ashley Sawatzke worked at the time of her death, issued this statement:
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of Ashley Sawatzke’s passing. She was a valued and loved member of the Leo Burnett family. Our thoughts and prayers are with her friends and family at this time.”
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe.com account has been set up for the Uber driver, hurt in this crash. CLICK HERE to access that account.
Tim -- Uber driver hurt in hit-and-run crash at 2nd and Clybourn (PHOTO: GoFundMe.com)
FOX6 News is not identifying the striking hit-and-run driver at this time because he has not been charged. However, we have learned he has a history of drunk driving, and driving with a revoked license.
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