I am really wondering why there isn't an update to this accident. Everyone is speculting on if the driver was drinking (which was NEVER mentioned in the article, so people shouldn't even go there, but idiots do).
I am sorry for his family, it is very sad. But I would think some kind of update would have come.

Scott Angus, if you're out there, please consider disabling the comments section for any story involving a death. Inevitably, commenters say cruel and hurtful things about the deceased, particularly if drunken driving is involved or as in this case, merely speculated but not proven. I say this not to defend drunken driving, but out of respect for family members who are grieving and then have their pain multiplied by having to read all of this garbage. I'm sure they didn't want their relative to drive drunk and die. Do they need to suffer more?

HST-Hannah Standard Time

beentheredonethat-What time zone is '11 in the afternoon'?

RummageSalesRocks - Here is one of your statements:

"Speculation at this point is useless,"

Here is another one of your comments in the same paragragh: "

"I phoned 911 and reported the driver and thanked my angels that our new peanut wasn't involved in an accident due to a "most likely" drunk driver."

Most likely drunk??? Weren't YOU speculating that this indivdual was "most likely drunk."

Sound like a hypocrite to me.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially his son. We'll miss you Mike.

Isn't it strange that there could never be any other reason for a driver to have an accident other than drinking and speeding? For all the people that feel it's their right to judge others' actions, could you at least wait until all the facts are out?

WMTV Channel 15 reported speed and alcohol were NOT a factor this morning.

When I worked at Prent, back in the 80's, guys getting off the night shift would race over to Slick's to down a few before closing time and they would occasionally run into a few of the day shift workers who had been there since they left work.

First of all, I am not saying this person was drunk. But I have known people to drink and drive, even having first shift jobs.
I don't understand it.
You'd think they'd have more respect for themselves, or society.

This is more important than drunk driving ,and i have ocean front property for sale.
------------------------------------
WASHINGTON -- After years of attempts in legislatures and the courts to tame one of the country's signature industries, the House is poised to thrust tobacco companies under government control.

Lawmakers began debating Wednesday evening on landmark legislation giving the Food and Drug Administration authority for the first time to regulate cigarettes and other tobacco products.

Passage of the bill was expected Thursday morning.

Opponents contended that the legislation would hurt the economy and that the FDA wasn't up to the job.

Senate action would still be required, as well as President Barack Obama's signature, but supporters said both those pieces were in place. They pointed to strong backing from the White House -- where Obama has spoken of his own struggles to kick the cigarette habit -- and an increased Democratic majority in a Senate that's already shown itself inclined to support the bill.

The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act would amount to the biggest change ever in the government's approach toward tobacco, which has remained largely hands off even as the health hazards have become increasingly clear.

Although the FDA wouldn't be allowed to ban nicotine or tobacco, the agency would be able to regulate the contents of tobacco products, make public their ingredients, prohibit flavoring, require much larger warning labels and control marketing campaigns, especially those geared toward children.

MICKIE - exactly. (although I am not sure of his demeanor) but, yes, I agree, let's not speculate, yes, it was stated in the news article, but that can be over looked by us who read it if we chose to.

Doubt very much alcohol was a factor..If this is the person I knew then he hasnt drank in years! So maybe hold off on those comments.. For now, its sad that this person is gone..

To those who lost Mr. Wellnitz, a loved one, I hope you can find peace. I certainly have no idea what the "knock" on the door is like, and I can't pretend to know how you feel, but you are all in my prayers.

About two years ago my husband and I were coming home around midnight from the hospital with our new baby, (checked out at Midnight to conserve on an additional day of charges..yes, tight!) and a person in a pickup truck passed us and just about clipped us off because they returned to our lane to soon. My husband thank God, was paying attention and slammed on the brakes, but none the less, the speed and inattentive driving was very gut wrenching. I phoned 911 and reported the driver and thanked my angels that our new peanut wasn't involved in an accident due to a "most likely" drunk driver. So, I agree with Hannah, drunk drivers need to just GO AWAY. But, I also agree with the fact that this is a subject that should be left alone where a death is concerned. Speculation at this point is useless, and as far as the possibility of alcohol being involved, there is enough going through the minds of those personally involved, that the comments of others' opinions on the stupidity of the situation have not been left unturned in those loved ones hearts already. Salt doesn't need to be thrown on the wound, so to speak. Just my humble opinion.

hannah does not have a clue.

Please forgive him/her.

thekid3477 I WOULD SAY MARY-JO-WANNA eh ?

Prayers to Mr. Wellnitz' family and friends.

It was definitely speed, I know the first person on the scene, saw the entire accident, as the victim was heading straight for him in his lane, overcorrected, and went back across 51 and rolled many times. I am so sorry for his family - no matter what the circumstances. I am thankful though, that my friend did not get hit/hurt as well. Slow down, nothing is worth getting in an accident like this.

11 in the afternoon????

UPDATED Wednesday, April 1, 2009 --- 2:55 p.m.

The driver has been identified as Michael G. Wellnitz, 44 years old, of Janesville, Wisconsin.

The name of the victim has been released on that link that Walker posted. My family's thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the accident victim.

There is a picture of the accident scene on WMTV

http://www.nbc15.com

My heart goes out to the family!

I drove by on my way work. It was BAD! To me it looked like a 4 door dark color green. Maybe an older Dodge Dynasty.

I had an accident and it was stated it may be a factor Well I did not drink and you know what it was never retracted, or updated. I never got a citation either as to road conditions. Unlike today

carlitosway

Well said....been there done that myself...

Thank you carlitosway. As glad as I am to hear that my heart goes out to this man's family and friends. My prayers are with you all!

yes gardengirl it was green

It is possible it was an over correction. Why do people always have to assume and make statements when the haven't a darn clue until the actual report is complete? A life was lost and my heart is with his family and so are my prayers. We watched for a while and knew by the way it was being handled it was a fatality. Some people continue to amaze me as to the ignorance and assumptions they post. I haven't a clue who the man was but I had a lump in my throat when we seen it. I just hope the judgemental people in here don't have to be the one opening the door and get the bad news as to situations like this. As I have been there when a priest and police came with bad news and it is a heart wretching feeling when you see them at your door as you know whats next. Not once but 3 times ( 2 deaths and one seriously injured. Please show some compassion as maybe someday you will get the knock on the door and see posts like these about your loved one....................

I hate to be a pain in the butt. Are you sure on the color? I am just checking because of a friend of mine was on the road around that time but his vehicle is dark blue. I have not heard from him and am a bit worried. Thank you for the info.

We seen the vehicle it was larger and darker green and could not tell if it was SUV or car as it was pretty smashed and on its side imbedded in billboard sign posts. Happened just past bank after Happyhollow turn on south side of 51..

If the police have enough evidence to think it's a possibility, they always say that in the article. It's not something new. As far as questioning the time of day. You're kidding right? There are people drunk at all times of the day and numerous accidents have occurred in the past regardless of the time.

Does anybody know what color or kind of vehicle was in the crash??? Thanks!

i seen this accident on my way to beloit, it was awful.

they wouldnt speculate alcohol was a factor if there wasnt a better than good chance it was involved. until they get the report, and they may not since the only one involved is dead therefore no one left to ticket, we may only be left with speculation

I know that people who work 3rd shift like to go after work and have a few. Same as anyone who works 1st or 2nd shift. As far as the release, they probably know that alcohol and speed were factors, but can't state for sure until all tests and accident reconstrucions are done to make it a fact.

Yes, why even speculate that alcohol might have been a factor-especially at 11:06 in the morning!

Wow!