October 8, 2024 – Dodge Co., Wi – The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a motor vehicle crash involving a single vehicle which resulted in the death of a passenger.
At 4:10 p.m. on Sunday, October 6, 2024, a witness reported a motor vehicle crash with injuries on County Road I at County Road GI, in the Town of Lowell.
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A Chevrolet Silverado truck was traveling north on Baker Road approaching the stop sign at County Road GI, when it failed to stop for the stop sign.
The driver, identified as 56-year-old Gregory Moritz, from rural Reeseville, lost control and the vehicle went into a spin and struck the ditch, overturning multiple times and coming to rest in the ditch near County Road I.
Gregory Moritz was seen by EMS on scene and arrested for his 6th offense of operating while intoxicated.
An 87-year-old male passenger from rural Reeseville, identified as Ralph Finkler, was transported by UW Med Flight to UW Madison, where he later died as a result of his injuries.
The operator was arrested for OWI and later charged with homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle. As always, all persons are innocent until proven guilty in court.
Neither occupant was wearing their seatbelt. Alcohol and speed were contributing factors in the crash. The crash remains under investigation. Assisting at the scene were the Clyman/Lowell First Responders (CLR), Beaver Dam Paramedics, and UW Med Flight.