Fire captain struck by suspected drunk driver, killed when he stopped to help at crash scene



MONONA -- A man died at the hospital after he was struck by a suspected drunk driver after stopping to help at the scene of a crash on New Year's Eve.

Monona police said just before 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 31, officers responded to a report of a crash involving one vehicle on Highway 12 eastbound near the bridge over the Yahara River.

A second vehicle stopped at the scene to assist with the first crash, and the driver of this vehicle was struck by a third vehicle -- sustaining serious injuries. Police said he died shortly after arrival at the hospital. According to our partners at WMTV in Madison, the victim was a captain with the Lake Mills Fire Department.

WMTV reported the Dane County Medical Examiner's Office said preliminary autopsy results indicated Christopher Truman, 46, died from injuries sustained in the crash.

Officials with the City of Lake Mills Fire Department issued this statement on Facebook:

"It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Captain Chris Truman. On New Years Eve Captain Truman was tragically struck and killed on the beltline by a passing car while attempting to assist a motorist in distress. Captain Truman proudly served the Lake Mills community as a firefighter for 13 years. Our hearts go out to his surviving family and friends. Funeral arrangements will be posted when they are finalized."


The driver of the third vehicle remained at the scene, and was arrested for homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle.

Highway 12 eastbound was closed for about three hours.