Fatal Jefferson County Crash: Brother Of County Supervisor Killed

WAUKESHA COUNTY, WI—One of the three people killed in a crash in Jefferson County Wednesday was identified as the brother of a Waukesha County Supervisor.

Darlene Johnson, the Waukesha County Supervisor and Village of Mukwonago trustee, confirmed to Patch that her brother, Thomas Henry Meier, 65, died in the crash.

The crash happened near the 262 mile marker on Interstate 94, Jefferson County Sheriff Paul Milbrath said in a statement.

I-94 westbound was closed from Johnson Creek to Lake Mills, Milbrath said.

The highway opened again at 10:45 a.m.

A truck pulling a trailer lost control and slammed into a guardrail at around 4 a.m., Milbrath said. A car and then a semi struck the trailer and guardrail, he said.

Johnson said her brother was born in Milwaukee and recently turned 65 in July. He and his wife Sandy Meier lived in Greenfield.

“The whole Meier family (I am one of seven children) are devastated with the sudden loss of Tom (I called him Tommy). He was a wonderful brother. With my mom Dolores turning 90 years old on Saturday, this weekend, all of the family and cousins were coming together for her and now we are all in shock with the loss of this treasure of a man. We will now will have a gathering to Celebrate Life (mom's and Tom's). Tom was head usher at St. Alphonsus Catholic parish in Greendale, always giving so much. This is breaking my and all my siblings' hearts,” Johnson said.

Paul Decker, chairman, Waukesha County Supervisors released a statement:

"On behalf of all members of the County Board and Staff, we want to express our deepest condolences to our colleague Supervisor Darlene Johnson and her family for the loss of her brother. This is very sad news, and our prayers are with all for the comfort from the love they share with each other."