ST. CROIX COUNTY – A southbound vehicle lost control on an icy curve Tuesday, resulting in the death of an 8-year-old passenger and serious injuries to his mother, according to a press release from the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office.
PRESS RELEASE
The St. Croix County Emergency Communication Center received a call at about 9:51 a.m. on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, reporting a vehicle crash in the 1500 Block of County Road A in Richmond Township.
Deputies arrived on scene and located a two vehicle crash. A 2004 Chrysler Pacifica, which had been traveling southbound on CTH A, lost control on the icy curve and collided with a 2018 Suburu Outback, which was traveling northbound on CTH A.
The driver of the southbound vehicle was identified as Alisha M. Hailey, age 27, from New Richmond WI. Her passenger, Owen P. Hailey, age 8, was seated in the third row of the van. Owen suffered critical injuries in the crash, and life saving measures were performed.
He was transported to Westfields Hospital in New Richmond. He was transferred by ambulance to Regions Hospital in St. Paul shortly after. Alisha suffered serious injuries from crash and was treated at Regions Hospital. Both were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.
The driver of the Suburu Outback was identified as Linda D. Stefonek, age 71, from New Richmond WI. She was treated for minor injuries at the scene and released. She was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
Later that evening, Owen Hailey died at Regions Hospital, as a result of the injuries sustained in the crash.
The St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the New Richmond Police Department, New Richmond Fire Department, New Richmond Ambulance, Baldwin Ambulance, St. Croix County Highway Department, and the amazing staff at Westfields Hospital.
This incident represents the tenth traffic fatality recorded by St. Croix County in 2025.
This crash remains under investigation.
— Per Sheriff Scott L. Knudson
Last Update: Dec 10, 2025 11:34 am CST
