Eau Claire, WI (July 1, 2026) – A pickup truck left Interstate 94 eastbound late on Monday night near the Highway 37 exit in Eau Claire before going airborne and coming to rest in the median. The vehicle had a driver and two passengers.
The driver, Cyrus Muehlberg of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, was taken to Mayo Hospital in Eau Claire after the collision. A 27-year-old back-seat passenger, identified on Wednesday as Anna Melicher, died from injuries related to the wreck.
A second passenger, 29-year-old Chase Schaffer of St. Michael, Minnesota, was not hurt. Muehlberg was arrested after signs of impairment were noted during the review of the collision.
The investigation into the deadly accident remains underway, and more information may be released later. Our hearts go out to the family and friends mourning the loss of Anna Melicher.
How Median Crashes on Highways Are Reviewed
Highway crashes involving vehicles leaving the travel lanes are usually investigated based on vehicle damage, roadway markings, and driver actions. Investigators may also consider factors such as speed, visibility, weather, and vehicle condition when examining what happened.
Passenger safety features, including seat belts and airbags, can affect the severity of injuries during a serious roadway accident. The design of highways, including shoulders and median spaces, can also influence how vehicles come to a stop after leaving the road. These details help provide a clearer understanding of how highway crashes occur.
