2.03.2008

When do you need name people in a newspaper story?

The question arises from this OshNW story:

2 Oshkosh residents hurt in Highway 41 crash
Gannett Wisconsin Newspapers

Two people were injured Friday in a two-vehicle accident on Highway 41 near Lone Elm Road north of Fond du Lac.

At about 7 a.m., a pickup truck driven by a 35-year-old Oshkosh man was headed north on Highway 41 in the town of Eldorado when the driver lost control of the vehicle and collided with a pickup truck driven by Amanda Lancour, 17, of Oshkosh, said Lt. Nick Scorcio of the Wisconsin State Patrol.

Lancour’s vehicle entered the median, striking the median cables, which prevented it from entering southbound traffic, Scorcio said.

Lancour suffered minor injuries and was transported to Aurora Medical Center in Oshkosh for treatment, Scorcio said. She was wearing a seat belt.

After impact, the Oshkosh man’s pickup truck spun out of control and entered the west ditch of Highway 41, overturning several times. The driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac.

The Oshkosh man will be cited for operating while intoxicated causing injury (third offense), operating while suspended causing injury, and reckless driving, Scorcio said.

As a result of the accident, the road was not closed, but traffic was backed up for a short time. Road conditions were icy at the time, Scorcio said.

Alcohol was a factor in the initial cause of the accident, he said.

The State Patrol is continuing its investigation of the incident. The Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Department, North Fond du Lac ambulance and first responders assisted at the crash scene.


Why would the 17 year old injured girl be named, but not the 35 year old intoxicated man who caused the accident ans was not injured be anonymous?

3 comments:

Unknown said...

I know they'll ID victims once family members have been notified...and criminals once they have been charged. It appears the intoxicated man "will" be cited. Perhaps that's the difference.

Anonymous said...

I'm pretty sure Stacie is correct. Once the man is charged his name will be released.

Anonymous said...

I'm pretty sure Stacie is correct. Once the man is charged his name will be released.