Madison, WI (February 17, 2026) – A 51-year-old Madison woman has been arrested in connection with a deadly pedestrian crash that claimed the life of a 17-year-old student earlier this month. The fatal collision occurred on February 5 on South Park Street as the teen was on the way to school, according to the Madison Police Department.
Police said multiple 911 callers reported that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle on South Park Street. Emergency crews transported the teen to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, but he later died. The Madison Metropolitan School District identified the victim as Alexander (Sasha) Rosen, a 12th-grade student at Madison West High School.
Investigators reviewed video from nearby businesses and interviewed witnesses, determining that speed was a primary factor in the crash. Authorities said pedestrian warning lights were activated and functioning at the time the teen was crossing. On Monday morning, officers arrested Kathleen Borgwardt on a charge of homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle. She was booked into the Dane County Jail. Police noted that impairment and cell phone use do not appear to be factors, though legal blood draw results are still pending.
Key Details
- Reported: February 5
- Location: S Park St, Madison, WI
- Type: Pedestrian crash
- Injuries: One fatality
- Arrest: 51-year-old woman charged with homicide by negligent operation
What We Know So Far
- A 17-year-old student was struck while crossing S Park St.
- The teen was transported with life-threatening injuries and later died.
- Pedestrian warning lights were reportedly active and working.
- Investigators cited speed as a primary factor.
- A 51-year-old Madison woman was arrested and booked into jail.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The final results of the legal blood draw.
- Additional findings from the ongoing investigation.
- Whether further charges will be filed.
- A timeline for upcoming court proceedings.
Corridors like S Park St in Madison often carry steady morning traffic, especially during school commute hours. When a fatal pedestrian crash occurs in Wisconsin, officers typically secure the roadway to document signal timing, pedestrian warning systems, and vehicle positioning. In cases involving serious or fatal injuries, investigators frequently review surveillance footage and gather witness statements to reconstruct events. Crosswalk safety features, such as flashing warning lights, are carefully examined to determine their status at the time of the incident.
What to Do Next
- If you witness a crash, call 911 immediately and provide clear location details.
- Remain at the scene if it is safe and cooperate with responding officers.
- If you have dashcam or nearby surveillance footage, preserve it and provide it to investigators.
- Use marked crosswalks and remain alert for pedestrian signals, especially in school zones and during commute hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why might early details change after the initial call?
Initial information often comes from witness reports. As investigators review video evidence and conduct interviews, additional facts may clarify the circumstances.
Why are pedestrian accidents often so serious?
Pedestrians have no physical protection from vehicle impacts, making injuries more likely to be severe or fatal.
Why might officials not release all test results right away?
Some evidence, such as laboratory testing, requires additional processing time before results can be confirmed and released.
