Fatal crash victim identified
JANESVILLE—The name of the 25-year-old woman who died in this morning’s head-on crash on Center Avenue has been released.
Brianne J. Merwin, of 1517 Sylvester St., was killed when the car she was driving crossed the centerline, in the 2200 block of Center Avenue on the city’s south side, and collided head-on with a northbound car.
Rachel L. Rivers, 20, of 6219 Highway 51, Janesville, was driving the northbound car, injured and transported to Mercy Hospital, where she was listed in good condition this afternoon.
The cause of why Merwin’s car crossed the road’s centerline remains under investigation, said Lt. Tom Wolfram, patrol supervisor at the Janesville Police Department.
Jan 19, 2009 at 2:33 p.m.
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Brianne was my wife... but they have it wrong. It's Brianne Whitney, not Brianne Merwin. We were married 6 months ago today. Thanks everyone for the kind words...
Jan 13, 2009 at 3:15 p.m.
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Wow, this is very sad. I lost my best friend in a car accident ten years ago. She had just turned 19. Thank you to the man that stopped to help these young girls.
I remember the accident by True Value. Center Ave. is a easy road to speed on. It's a straight shot and sometimes you don't realize how fast you are going.
My prayers and sympathy go out to these families.
Jan 12, 2009 at 9:40 p.m.
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Thanks to the man that stopped to help Rachel. She is my niece. After seeing both cars, it is a miracle she survived. My heart goes out to Brianne's family.
Jan 12, 2009 at 7:37 p.m.
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tj1113: I wanted to thank you for stopping at the accident. I do not know either of the women involved or their families, but I would bet that they are grateful that you and others stopped to offer help and that Brianne was not alone when she passed.
Jan 12, 2009 at 6:39 p.m.
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May be now that people are getting into accidents and dying, they'll clean the roads better! They can shove their "tickets." Put the time, effort, and money that ticket writing takes into producing cleaner roads = less death and destruction.
Jan 12, 2009 at 6:26 p.m.
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And for the person starting at BTC tomorrow...I'd take 51 over Prairie anyday!!! 51 will be in better driving shape I'm sure.
Jan 12, 2009 at 6:25 p.m.
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Just remember speed plus slippery and icy roads make for accidents. I've seen people flying up and down Center Ave. like its the interstate. Maybe now that people are getting in serious accidents and and dying the cops will start issuing tickets.
Jan 12, 2009 at 5:38 p.m.
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Just befor 6:00 I leave for work at 5:35 and I was the second on the seane .I was not three feet from Brianne when she had no pulse and quit breathing (My heart goes out to her parents)And the other young man that stoped
THANK YOU.
Jan 12, 2009 at 5:14 p.m.
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IT HAPPENED ABOUT 5:50 AM IN FRONT OF THE COMMUNITY KIDS JANESVILLE LEARNING CENTER.
Jan 12, 2009 at 4:21 p.m.
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It happened right in front of the Community Day Care Center - Hwy 51 south and Burbank streets.
Jan 12, 2009 at 4:19 p.m.
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How Sad!!!
Jan 12, 2009 at 4:09 p.m.
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I listened to this accidnet on my scanner. Terrible. So young too.
Jan 12, 2009 at 3:52 p.m.
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what is near that section of center ave? that scares me, i start school at blackhawk tomorrow and planned on taking that route.....my sympathies to both families
Jan 12, 2009 at 3:22 p.m.
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From a quick glance it appeared like a couple of 4-door sedans.
Jan 12, 2009 at 3:19 p.m.
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Am I the only person who refuses to drive on this road, because it seems someone is dying or getting injured like every month...
Jan 12, 2009 at 3:14 p.m.
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What a shame. I saw the cars being removed by flatbed trucks, and you could tell they hit head on.
My sympathies to both families.
Jan 12, 2009 at 3:02 p.m.
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I meant to add, I'm glad to hear that Rachel is in good condition. She's very lucky.
Jan 12, 2009 at 3:01 p.m.
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600am
Jan 12, 2009 at 3:01 p.m.
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Yes it was this morning just before 6am. She was a good friend of mine. I saw the cops blocking off the road when I came home early from work this morning. She was on her way to work for the same company. A terrible tragedy for both families :(
Jan 12, 2009 at 2:59 p.m.
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SarahB - it was reported at approximately 6:00 a.m. The road was blocked for accident reconstruction for several hours after that.
Jan 12, 2009 at 2:44 p.m.
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Wow, how sad. Does anyone know what time this accident occurred?
Jan 12, 2009 at 2:44 p.m.
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That's too bad. I was wondering why it was all blocked off.
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