OCONTO, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A reckless homicide charge has been filed against a motorist who allegedly lost control of his truck and trailer, causing a fatal crash.
Travis Ragen, 30, faces one count of second-degree reckless homicide for the November 15th crash which killed Melissa Cota. He is scheduled to make an initial court appearance on Thursday.
According to the criminal complaint, Cota’s vehicle ended up under Ragen’s. She and a dog were killed in the crash and fire.
“As the passenger car just began to make the right-hand curve the pickup truck pulling the trailer crossed over the centerline into the passenger car’s lane of travel. The operator of the passenger car attempted to take evasive action by braking and turning away from the pickup truck. The passenger car’s front passengers side tire was over the fog line while the driver’s side tire remained to the left of the fog line. After impact the passenger cars initial trajectory was redirected backwards because of the pickup trucks size and weight and the fact that the pickup truck landed on top of the passenger car forcing the passenger car into the ditch. After the two vehicle came to final rest both operators were trapped in their vehicles. The operator of the truck was pulled out prior to the vehicles starting on fire, the operator of the passenger car was unable to be removed and perished in the fire.”
Ragen smelled of alcohol, but there are no test results cited in the complaint and no alcohol-related charges. Ragen declined to comment to investigators.
