18-year-old man hit by vehicle and killed while filling car with gas near West Bend

WEST BEND -- Washington County Sheriff's officials say an 18-year-old man was killed in a crash on Highway 45 in West Bend on Monday afternoon, February 15th.

It happened on Highway 45 near Chestnut Street, near West Bend around 12:30 p.m.

Sheriff's officials say the 18-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The operator of a northbound vehicle believed to have struck the 18-year-old man, a 34-year-old Palmyra man, wasn't hurt.

An initial investigation has revealed the 18-year-old man was beside his vehicle, outside the lane of traffic, putting gas into his vehicle when he was struck by the northbound vehicle.

Officials say the northbound vehicle traveled over the fog line prior to striking the man.

Investigators are working to determine what caused the northbound vehicle to leave the roadway.

Alcohol and/or drugs are not believed to be factors in this incident.

The incident remains under investigation by the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

Bill Rate with Bob's Auto & Towing says far too many times, tow truck drivers with Bob's Towing in West Bend have narrowly avoided tragedy.

"Some of my guys have had serious calls as far as being hit by mirrors. Some guys have gotten uncomfortably close. I, myself, have had a few incidents where I`ve jumped up on the truck," Rate said.

Rate says in April 2011, towing operator Dan Bobholz was killed while working in the shoulder on Highway 41. Officials said weather contributed to that crash.

Rate says after Monday's fatal crash near West Bend, he has a message for drivers.

"I don`t care if there`s no squad car there -- if it`s just a car on the side of the road. When you don`t pull over, you leave yourself at risk for something to happen and, unfortunately, for the other person," Rate said.

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