The Wisconsin State Patrol is on the search for a tractor trailer that lost a brake drum and caused a fatal crash on Interstate 94 in Jefferson County, Wisconsin.
Although the crash happened back on May 22nd, police have just released new evidence in the case — images of the tractor trailer believed to be responsible.
According to police reports, Jay Tichelaar was driving east on I-94 when a semi just ahead of him lost a brake drum. A piece of the brake drum came crashing through Jay’s windshield, killing him instantly and sending his car swerving into a nearby median about a half mile down the road.
“He didn’t even have time to react,” said Joleen Tichelaar, Jay’s widow.
“Until we know the reason why there was this brake failure and why the brake drum came flying through my husband’s windshield, we don’t know how to prevent this from happening again to another family,” Joleen added.
“Finding this truck could explain why it happened. Was it due to poor maintenance? Was there a manufacturer problem?… I’m sure the driver knows that he lost his brake drum,” she continued.
“I’m holding out hope that they can find it,” Joleen added. But so far, very few witnesses have stepped forward regarding the crash.
The Wisconsin State Patrol says that the semi truck in question lacks any identifiable markings but it is believed to be a black Freightliner Coronado Glider with a sleeper berth and pulling a Great Dane trailer.
Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to please call the Wisconsin State Patrol.
