Eau Claire County, Wisconsin – A tragic crash in Eau Claire County, Wisconsin has left one woman dead and another shaken after what authorities say was a drunk driving incident involving a repeat offender.
According to police, the crash happened on Saturday when a pickup truck crossed into oncoming traffic and struck an SUV carrying two women who were on their way home from a funeral. The impact proved fatal for one of the passengers, turning an already emotional day into a devastating loss.
What Happened
Authorities say 46-year-old Kirk Johnson was driving a Chevrolet Silverado when his vehicle veered into the opposite lane. It collided with a Subaru SUV carrying two women.
Inside the SUV, 56-year-old Kimberly Clark was sitting in the front passenger seat. She was found unconscious after the crash and was later pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the SUV, who survived, told officers that she saw the truck coming toward her lane and tried to avoid it—but there was no time to escape the collision. She also shared that the two were returning home after attending a funeral, adding to the emotional weight of the incident.
Witness Accounts and Police Findings
Witnesses at the scene backed up the survivor’s account, telling investigators the pickup truck had clearly crossed into the wrong lane. Several also reported that the driver appeared intoxicated.
When officers questioned Johnson, he claimed he had consumed only “one or two beers” hours earlier. However, police observed clear signs of impairment during field sobriety testing.
A breath test later showed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.207, which is more than double the legal limit in most U.S. states.
Driver’s History Raises Concerns
Investigators revealed that Johnson has a long history of drunk driving offenses. Records show five prior convictions for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, dating back to 2000, with the most recent in 2019.
This history is now a key factor in the charges he faces.
Charges and Current Status
Johnson has been charged with homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle. He is currently being held at the county jail on a $100,000 cash bond, with strict conditions attached.
His next court appearance is scheduled for June 15, where further legal proceedings will determine the next steps in the case.
A Preventable Tragedy
This incident highlights the ongoing dangers of impaired driving—especially when repeat offenses go unchecked. For the victim’s family, what began as a day of mourning has turned into an even deeper loss.
Authorities continue to stress the importance of making responsible choices behind the wheel, reminding the public that even one decision can have irreversible consequences.
Official Sources
Information in this report is based on details released by local law enforcement, the Eau Claire County criminal complaint, and statements provided during the ongoing investigation.
