City-Times Staff

Two women are dead and a third was airlifted to an area hospital after being involved in a crash on Gumz Road west of County Highway II in Linwood.

Sheriff’s Deputies received a call reporting a one- call rollover crash shortly after 2 AM on Saturday. When deputies arrived they discovered four occupants in a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado.

The initial investigation determined that Tim Saaveda, a 22 year old Loyal, WI resident, was operating his vehicle eastbound on Gumz Rd when he lost control on the gravel roadway. The vehicle left the roadway and struck several trees.

The two rear passengers, 21 year old Melissa Peterson of Wisconsin Rapids and 21 year old Stephanie Eberhardt of Wisconsin Rapids died as a result of the injuries sustained in the crash.  The front passenger, 21 year old Lee Hogan of Rudolph was airlifted by the Spirit Helicopter to a medical facility for treatment.

Rescue workers from Rudolph and Portage County responded.

Tim Saaveda was taken into custody and is being held in the Portage County Jail pending charges.

This crash investigation will remain under investigation, but speed and alcohol were contributing circumstances.

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