Fatal 2-Vehicle Crash in Grant County

Authorities said one person died and four others were injured — three critically — in a head-on crash involving an intoxicated driver Sunday in Grant County. 73 year old Cheryl Mader of Prairie Du Chien, died at the scene due to injuries sustained in the crash. According to the Grant County Sheriff’s Department, Mader’s husband, 73 year old Dale Klemme of Prairie du Chien, and their two granddaughters, ages 7 and 5, were taken by ambulance to a hospital for treatment of critical injuries. 57 year old Benjamin Steiger of Bloomington, had minor injuries but refused medical treatment. A report says that Klemme was driving west on HIghway 18 at Hicklin Hollow Road at approximately 6:15 p.m. Sunday when a vehicle driven east on the highway by Steiger crossed the center line and struck Klemme’s vehicle head-on. A subsequent investigation found Steiger to be heavily under the influence of alcohol and marijuana. He was arrested on charges of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle, causing injury while operating under the influence and possession of drug paraphernalia.