Midvale crash victims identified

UW-Madison responds to students' deaths

The Capital Times  —  8/27/2008 6:02 pm

Just days before the opening of a new semester, the University of Wisconsin-Madison community was stunned today by the deaths of two incoming seniors and a recent graduate in an early morning crash Wednesday on South Midvale Boulevard, just south of Hillcrest Drive between Mineral Point Road and Regent Street.

Killed in the 1:30 a.m. crash were Lindsey Plank, 23, a native of Stoughton, a senior majoring in chemistry; Richard Putze, 22, originally from Milwaukee, a senior majoring in chemistry; and Daniel Myers, 22, of Madison, who is not enrolled for the fall semester but had completed his requirements this summer for a degree in music performance with a piano specialty, the Office of the Dean of Students said this afternoon.

Madison Police said the car in which the three were riding went off the street and struck a tree in the 200 block of South Midvale Boulevard near the intersection with Hillcrest Drive between Mineral Point and Regent Streets.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of the three members of the campus community," said Dean of Students Lori Berquam. "The timing of this tragedy, just as we're about to start a new semester hits all of us particularly hard," she said. Classes for the first semester are scheduled to start Tuesday.

Berquam said the Office of the Dean of Students "offers our deepest and sincerest sympathies to all those who knew, attended class or worked with Lindsey Plank, Richard Putze, and Daniel Myers. In particular, our thoughts go out to their parents and families during this time of grief," she said.

Professor Robert Hamers, chair of the Department of Chemistry where Plank and Putze were studying, said his department was "devastated by this loss."

"In addition to being chemistry majors, Lindsey and Richard volunteered their time and energy to assist with lecture demonstrations. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all the family and friends of all three students," Hamers said.

The UW is offering counseling to any campus groups or individuals who are affected by the tragic loss of the three students. Those interested in crisis support may call University Health Services Counseling and Consultation Services at (608) 265-5600.

Then crash forced the closure of Midvale in both directions after the accident but the southbound lanes were opened before the morning rush. The northbound lanes were not opened until about 9:30 a.m.

The Capital Times  —  8/27/2008 6:02 pm