Head On Collision on Big Bridge, ONALASKA, August 19, 2016 - At approximately 8:45 am on August 19, 2016, a black 2012 Ford Transit, driven by Sharon Natalie Carpenter, 63, of Onalaska, was west-bound on US-190 West (the big bridge). Carpenter suddenly encountered a white 2005 Ford F-150 driven by Joshua Findley, 29, of Onalaska. Findley was east-bound and entered Carpenter's lane. Trying to avoid a head on collision, Carpenter cut right to the shoulder, Findley cut to the same side and the two collided head on. The impact spun Carpenter's vehicle around to face east. Findley's vehicle came to rest a short distance away facing east. Americare Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with the Onalaska Volunteer Fire Department, Deputy Gary Wright with the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Officer Ryan Vasquez with Onalaska Police Department and other officers with Onanlaska PD including Chief Ron Gilbert, and Officers Jade Havard and Troy Binford. Carpenter sustained severe injuries and was transported by ambulance to Conroe Regional Hospital (medical helicopters weren't able to fly due to bad weather). Findley was physically okay. According to Findley, he had just worked a night shift and fell asleep at the wheel. All traffic on the big bridge was blocked during investigation and cleanup. The accident remains under investigation by the Onalaska Police Department. Both vehicles were recovered by George White & Sons wrecker service and will be stored in Onalaska.
63 year old Sharon Carpenter, of Onalaska, was driving this 2012 Ford Transit when she had a head on collision with a white 2005 Ford F-150 driven by 29 year old Joshua Findley of Onalaska.
Sergeant Ryan Vasquez with the Onalaska Police Department is the accident investigator.
Onalska Mayor, Roy Newport (left) and Police Chief, Ron Gilbert assisted at the scene.
Mayor Roy Newport cuts battery cables on Carpenter's vehicle after it began to smoke.
Both vehicles were recovered by George White & Sons Wrecker Service.
Mixi, Molly, and Heidi were on duty for PolkCountyToday.com.
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