3 Wisconsin Girl Scouts, 1 Adult Killed In Hit-And-Run Crash

A western Wisconsin community is grieving the deaths of three Girl Scouts and an adult who were struck by a pickup truck while collecting trash along a rural highway.

The victims were struck Saturday morning while picking up trash in Lake Hallie, which is 90 miles east of Minneapolis and just south of Chippewa Falls, where the girls were fourth-graders at Halmstad Elementary School.

Lake Hallie police Sgt. Daniel Sokup said the pickup crossed a lane and veered into a roadside ditch, striking the victims, including a girl who survived but remained in critical condition Saturday night.

Sokup said the 21-year-old driver, Colten Treu of Chippewa Falls, sped off but later surrendered and will be charged with four counts of homicide.

The school district announced Sunday it would be making counselors available for students following the incident.

Chippewa Falls School District Superintendent Heidi Eliopoulos sent a message to parents saying counselors, faith leaders and trained school staff would be available Monday at two elementary schools. They also were on site Sunday.

Eliopoulos said it’s a “difficult time for our students, families and staff,” and that the district will provide support “for as long as needed.”

Girl Scouts CEO Sylvia Acevedo issued a statement Sunday expressing condolences for the victims.

“Our hearts are broken,” she said, adding that Girl Scouts everywhere stand with “our sister Girl Scouts in Wisconsin to grieve and comfort one another in the wake of this terrible tragedy.”

The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that teddy bears, balloons and candles sat on two wooden benches in front of Halmstad Elementary in Lake Hallie on Sunday afternoon.

Troop 3055’s regional council, the Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes, expressed its condolences on Facebook and said a vigil will be held Sunday evening.