Jack Ritchie dies in fatal Eau Claire car crash
Fatal Eau Claire car crash death of Jack Ritchie
In a tragic incident this week, authorities have confirmed the identity of the individual involved in a devastating collision on Clairemont Avenue. The deceased has been named Jack Ritchie, a 35-year-old resident of Eau Claire. The driver responsible for the crash, identified as Anthony Reyes, a 27-year-old from Eau Claire, is currently in custody.
The accident began on Wednesday morning at approximately 2:40 a.m. Law enforcement attempted to intercept a vehicle that was traveling at excessive speeds and weaving through oncoming traffic. After a brief chase, officers lost sight of the speeding car.
Approximately ten minutes later, the same vehicle was spotted on North Clairemont Avenue, again moving dangerously fast. Police reports indicate the driver deliberately turned off the headlights while navigating the road in a reckless manner.
The collision occurred shortly after at the intersection of West Clairemont Avenue and Craig Road. The suspect struck another vehicle, causing it to burst into flames. Medical examiners pronounced the other individual deceased at the scene.
In a statement released following the event, Eau Claire Police Chief Matt Rokus expressed profound sorrow. He noted, “Our hearts are deeply affected by this senseless tragedy. The reckless conduct of the suspect led to the loss of an innocent life in our community. We offer our sincere condolences to the victim’s family and friends, and we stand ready to support all those impacted.”
State agencies, including the Wisconsin Department of Justice and the State Patrol, are conducting a comprehensive investigation into the incident. Reyes faces multiple charges, including homicide involving intoxicated vehicle operation, first-degree reckless homicide, and evading law enforcement.
This event marks another heartbreaking chapter in the region’s recent history, highlighting the dangers of high-speed driving and its irreversible consequences.
