Child dies after being hit by car in Columbia Co.

TOWNSHIP OF MARCELLON, Wis. (WMTV) - A 4-year-old has died after the child jumped down from a farm wagon and was struck by a vehicle driving in Columbia County, authorities report Thursday.

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office stated that it received a call just after 5:10 p.m. Wednesday. Officials say the child was “riding on a farm wagon, had jumped down from the wagon, and onto the roadway.”

A car passing by on Haynes Road in the Township of Marcellon then hit the child, the sheriff’s office said.

Emergency responders attempted lifesaving measures on the child at the scene of the crash and the sheriff’s office said the measures were unsuccessful.

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office will not be releasing the name of the child.

“This is a very tragic and traumatic accident and an extremely emotional time for family, friends, and the first responders who tried to save the child’s life,” the sheriff’s office said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends that are mourning.”

Columbia Co. officials noted that the driver of the vehicle was identified as a 47-year-old Pardeeville woman. They said that she was cooperative with investigators. This crash is still under investigation.

Joan Borousk lives just off Haynes Road and drove past the crash shortly after first responders arrived on scene. She knows the child’s family well, having lived next door for 27 years, and said she is heartbroken for them. “It’s so tragic,” said Borousk.

While authorities did not indicate that speed was a factor in this crash, Borousk said she witnesses drivers speeding on Haynes Road daily and expressed her desire to see the speed limit of 45 mph lowered.

“I want a change. After talking to the neighbors they also agree. They said they’re afraid to walk the dog, afraid to be on a bicycle,” said Borousk.

The sheriff’s office was assisted by Pardeeville EMS, Pardeeville Fire Department, Aspirus Divine Savior Medivac, Medflight, Columbia County Medical Examiner’s Office, Wisconsin State Patrol, Columbia County Highway Department, and Blystones Towing.

The crash was initially reported by the Pardeeville Fire Department, who stated that a UW Med Flight had been called Wednesday night for a child that was hit by a vehicle. According to the department’s Facebook post, the child was pulseless and not breathing.

Copyright 2022 WMTV. All rights reserved.