FOND DU LAC, Wis. — A 16-year-old Sheboygan County girl made her first court appearance Wednesday on felony charges connected to a weekend crash that killed one passenger and injured four others in the Town of Calumet.
Madilyn Blonigen is charged with one count of knowingly operating a motor vehicle without a valid license causing death, and two counts of knowingly operating without a valid license causing great bodily harm. The charges stem from a crash that happened just after 7 p.m. Saturday on County Highway HH.
According to the criminal complaint, Blonigen was driving a black Toyota SUV westbound on County Highway HH when she lost control on a curve. Investigators say the vehicle left the road, hit a driveway embankment, went airborne, struck a utility pole, and rolled before coming to rest on its passenger side.
A 17-year-old passenger was partially ejected and found pinned under the vehicle’s roofline. That passenger was pronounced dead at the scene. Four others in the SUV suffered injuries ranging from minor to critical.
Watch: Teen faces judge after deadly Fond du Lac County crash:
The complaint also states Blonigen did not have a driver’s license or learner’s permit. She allegedly admitted to investigators that she had used a THC vape earlier in the night.
Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric Toney said they are still awaiting toxicology results from the state crime lab and that the findings could impact additional charges.
“We expect some additional results to come in from the crime lab. We don't yet have those results, and so we may be adding additional charges as more evidence comes in,” Toney said.
During the initial appearance, several family members of victims — along with members of Blonigen’s own family — spoke directly to the judge, asking for leniency in setting bond.
“I would like it to not go really severe on her,” one victim's family member said.
“We ask for leniency,” another added.
Blonigen’s stepmother told the court she believed the teenager was regretful and had struggled with challenges throughout her life.
The state sought stricter bond conditions, citing the severity of the allegations and the ongoing investigation. Judge Laura Lavey acknowledged the tragedy and the differing opinions in the courtroom.
“As much as one may refer to this as a tragic accident, there certainly are allegations here of behavior that caused that accident. I have to take those allegations seriously as well,” Lavey said.
The judge ultimately set bond at $5,000 cash and imposed conditions that include no driving, no vaping, no use or possession of THC or CBD products, absolute sobriety, and no contact with the victims or immediate family members while the case is pending.
Blonigen’s next court appearance is scheduled for July 20 for a status hearing. The Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the crash, and Toney said they will review any new evidence as it becomes available.
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