Truck entered opposite lane and struck SUV at Severson Road in Pleasant Valley
April 25, 2026 | Eau Claire, WI
A 56-year-old woman from Onalaska lost her life in a devastating crash on State Highway 93 in Eau Claire County.
The incident occurred when an SUV carrying the victim collided with a truck operated by an alleged impaired driver.
Kimberly Clark, 56, died after a crash involving an SUV and a truck on State Highway 93 at Severson Road in Eau Claire County.
What Happened in the Crash?
Authorities from the Sheriff’s Office reported that Kimberly Clark was riding as a passenger in a southbound SUV near Severson Road in the Town of Pleasant Valley. Around 6 p.m., a northbound truck driven by 46-year-old Kirk Johnson veered into the SUV's lane.
The SUV driver swerved to evade the truck but was unable to avoid collision. Clark was declared deceased at the scene. Deputies detected signs of intoxication on Johnson, including a strong alcohol odor and bloodshot, glassy eyes. He admitted to drinking 1-2 beers roughly 5-6 hours earlier.
Johnson faces charges of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle.
- Date: April 25
- Time: Approximately 6 p.m.
- Location: State Highway 93 at Severson Road, Pleasant Valley, Eau Claire County, Wisconsin
- Vehicles Involved: Southbound SUV and northbound truck
- Victim: Kimberly Clark, 56, passenger, pronounced dead on scene
- Suspect: Kirk Johnson, 46, driver of truck, charged with DUI-related homicide
- Investigating Agency: Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Impaired driving remains a leading cause of fatal crashes nationwide. In Wisconsin alone, alcohol or drug-related incidents resulted in one injury or death every 2.4 hours in 2022, according to state traffic safety data.
Factors contributing to such collisions include:
- Reduced reaction times due to substance impairment
- Poor judgment leading to lane deviations
- Delayed absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream, which can take 30 minutes to two hours
Cause of Impaired Driving Crashes |
Statistics (National, per NHTSA) |
Prevention Tips |
|---|
Alcohol Impairment |
Over 10,000 deaths annually |
Designate a sober driver |
Drug Influence |
20% of fatal crashes involve drugs |
Avoid mixing substances with driving |
Distracted While Impaired |
Increases risk by 23% |
Use ride-sharing services |
Fatigue Combined with Impairment |
Common in evening hours |
Get adequate rest before travel |
Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the importance of accountability in impaired driving cases. Their perspectives highlight options for families affected by such tragedies.
“In cases such as this, separate from any criminal proceedings, those impacted may pursue compensation via a civil action against the at-fault individual,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal and a national analyst for Newsline. “Acting as an advocate, legal counsel can support families through grief, safeguard their rights, and ensure impaired drivers face consequences for dangerous behavior.”
Key takeaways from analyst insights:
- Families may qualify for wrongful death claims covering loss of companionship, emotional distress, and suffering.
- Attorneys can monitor investigations to protect client interests.
- Civil lawsuits help hold responsible parties accountable beyond criminal charges.
“We recognize the profound challenges families endure, and safeguarding their entitlements is essential,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “Legal representation in wrongful death matters keeps families informed on investigation developments and prioritizes their well-being. Affected relatives can claim damages for companionship loss, pain, suffering, and emotional trauma after devastating crashes.”
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If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one due to a drunk driver, national legal analyst Candice Bond offers free consultations to guide you.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).