I-94 crash claims third student

State Patrol Sgt. Brian Erickson reported Monday evening that Zachary D. Zajec, the driver of a Dodge Durango that crashed into the back of a flatbed semi- trailer a week ago, died Monday at Regions Hospital in St. Paul.

He was the fifth person to die in a week within a 32-mile stretch of Interstate 94 between Menomonie and Hudson.

Zajec and three friends were driving eastbound on I-94, about five miles east of Hudson at 1:20 p.m. when his SUV struck the back of a truck, stopped in heavy traffic.

Only rear passenger Thomas Wanless, 17, who was belted, survived the crash, reportely suffering a shoulder injury.

A memorial service for the other front-seat passenger, Josh Goodrich, was held Friday afternoon, Aug. 3, at Cross Lutheran Church in Roberts.

A service for Jordan Johnson was held Friday evening at the New Richmond High School auditorium, 650 Richmond Way.

Local students and friends established a caring wall at New Richmond High School as an area for students to drop off cards, flowers or other mementos in honor of Goodrich and Johnson. The caring wall is located near the western parking lot by the high school track.

Information service plans for Zachary will be posted when they are made public.

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