Police: Pedestrian killed on I-43 was hit by second vehicle

NEW BERLIN (WITI) -- Police now believe that 54-year-old Denise Merkel, the pedestrian struck and killed Saturday, March 2nd on southbound I-43 in New Berlin, was hit by a second vehicle.

Merkel was struck around 5:30 a.m. on southbound I-43 approximately one mile south from CTH Y/Racine Avenue in the City of New Berlin on March 2nd.

During the initial investigation police said Merkel, the occupant of a disabled motor vehicle that was parked on the outside shoulder of I-43, was struck by oncoming traffic after walking across a traffic lane.

Merkel was pronounced dead at the scene.

After further investigation, police believe Merkel was struck by a second vehicle. Police say the second striking vehicle would have hit Merkel's body as it was lying in the roadway.

Police are urging anyone with any information regarding the second vehicle to contact Detective Todd Ladwig at 262-584-7461.