Posted Sunday, July 3, 2011 --- 10:46 p.m.

Press Release from the Green Co. Sheriff's Office:

On July 3rd, 2011 at 4:15PM, The Green County Sheriff Department was notified of a motor vehicle crash with injuries on CTH M in Jordan Township. Browntown First Response, Browntown Fire Department, South Wayne First Response, South Wayne Fire Department, and Green County EMS were dispatched to the scene along with sheriff’s deputies.

A preliminary investigation revealed a 1985 Chevy Corvette operated by James T Rufenacht, age 19 of Gratiot Wi was northbound on CTH M and lost control of the vehicle after negotiating a curve. The vehicle continued eastbound, traveled down a ditch, struck an embankment and over turned. The driver was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle. The vehicle suffered severe damage and was towed from the scene.

The motor vehicle crash is still under investigation by the Green County Sheriff Department and the Green County Coroner’s office. Speed is considered a factor in the motor vehicle crash. Alcohol does not appear to be involved or a factor in the motor vehicle crash.

This is Green County’s seventh fatality this year.