4th traffic fatality occurs in St. Croix County

On Monday, May 13, 2013 at 2:12 p.m., the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle crash on STH 35/64 approximately 2/10ths of a mile north of Hilltop Dr. in St. Joseph Township.

A 2001 Hyundai Accent, driven by Darlene R. Breault, age 74, from Houlton, WI, was leaving the parking lot at 1415 Main St., Houlton, WI and traveling west. A 2004 Mazda Tribute, driven by Becky Lee Markfort, age 27 from New Richmond, WI was northbound on STH 35/64. According to evidence at the scene, Breault was leaving the parking lot and was struck in the driver’s side of the car by the Markfort vehicle. The parking lot is controlled by a stop sign. Both vehicles came to rest on the median cement divider.

A passenger in the Markfort vehicle, Michelle C. Frazee, age 35, from New Richmond, WI was seated in the front passenger seat and was uninjured.

Markfort was transported to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, MN with unknown injuries.

Breault was pronounced dead at the scene by the St. Croix County Medical Examiner’s Office.

All occupants were wearing seatbelts. Airbags were deployed in both vehicles.

Assisting at the scene was the St. Joseph Fire/Rescue and Lakeview EMS.

This is the 4th fatality of 2013.

The crash remains under investigation by the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office.