Police release names in fatal Superior crash

Superior police have released the names of those involved in a fatal collision between a pick-up truck and a semi-truck Thursday night at the intersection of North 28th Street and Hill Avenue in Superior.

Russell Putnam, 82, of Superior died at the scene of the crash as a result of injuries sustained, according to a release from Deputy Chief Matt Markon of the Superior Police Department. He was in the front passenger seat of the pick-up. The driver of the vehicle, Putnam’s 80-year-old wife Irene, was injured. She was transported to Essentia Health St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth. She was listed in fair condition Tuesday, according to Essentia Health spokeswoman Kim Kaiser. The driver of the semi, Donald Plunkett, 49, of South Range wasn’t hurt.

The Putnams were in a pick-up headed north on Hill Avenue between Superior High School and Mariner Mall. Reports indicate the smaller vehicle made a left turn onto N. 28th Street in front of the semi-truck, which was traveling southbound on Hill Avenue. The collision occurred at about 5:30 p.m.

Crews were on the scene for about two hours Thursday. The incident remains under investigation by the Superior Police Department with the assistance of the Wisconsin State Patrol. There is no indication that either alcohol or speed were factors in the crash, Markon said.

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