Kenosha County fatal crash; vehicle hits cow in middle of road

TOWN OF BRIGHTON, Wis. - The Kenosha County Sheriff's Department is investigating a crash in which a driver struck a cow early Thursday, March 28. The collision led to the death of the 25-year-old man, as well as the cow.

The collision happened just before 5 a.m. Thursday in the Town of Brighton. The dispatch center received a call that a cow was in the middle of the roadway on 31st Street near County Highway B. 

"Kind of hard to believe, it’s crazy, it’s sad," said Wayne Rhody, who lives nearby.

Kenosha County authorities say the entire roof of the vehicle had been torn off in the wreck. The vehicle then came to a stop in the pasture after crashing through the fence causing multiple cows to escape into the roadway. All cows were later secured.

Kenosha County authorities on Thursday evening identified the male driver as Michael Forero. He was driving a 2004 Honda Accord.

A person who lives in the area of the wreck told FOX6 News he woke up to the sound of a thump. He came outside and was surprised by what he saw. 

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"That’s what the way the car looked like nobody could survive that. The cow must have taken the top right off the car," Rhody said. "You don’t have any time to react when a cow walks out in front of you. not something you expect at 4 in the morning."

Officials said as Forero came over the crest of a hill, he struck the cow that was in the middle of the road head-on, killing them both instantly.

Authorities are reminding drivers of the posted speed limits in the area.