A tragic crash in Milwaukee has left a young EMT dead and a 22-year-old driver facing extremely serious charges. Police say the incident happened because of reckless street racing at dangerous speeds, raising fresh concerns about illegal racing and road safety in busy city areas.
What happened on the night of the crash
According to police documents, the crash happened around 9 p.m. on January 15 at the intersection of North 76th Street and West Glendale Avenue in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Investigators say Dayton Milligan was driving a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck while racing with other vehicles, including one driven by his cousin.
A witness told police she saw a black pickup stop next to her at a traffic light. When the light turned green, the pickup and two other vehicles allegedly began racing down the road. At the next intersection, the witness saw the pickup crash into a Volkswagen Atlas that was crossing the street.
When officers arrived, they found both vehicles badly damaged and about 100 feet off the road. Police said the vehicles appeared to be locked together in a T-bone position after the impact.
Victim identified as EMT Meng Kue
The driver of the Volkswagen, 34-year-old Meng Kue, was later identified as the victim. An autopsy confirmed he died from blunt force trauma and suffered severe injuries, including spinal cord damage and multiple fractures.
A local news report stated that Kue worked as an EMT for Bell Ambulance. His family released a statement thanking the community, first responders and police for their support. They described him as deeply loved and said he would be missed by family and friends.
Evidence collected by investigators
Police say several pieces of evidence link Milligan to the crash and the alleged street race.
Key evidence mentioned in the affidavit includes:
- Vehicle data showing the pickup was traveling 106 mph just seconds before impact in a 35 mph zone
- Items with Milligan’s name found inside the truck, including a visitor badge from a children’s hospital
- Surveillance video showing Milligan leaving the hospital area about 20 minutes before the crash
- A witness statement saying the driver got out of the truck, collected belongings, then left the scene in another car
Investigators also received a tip that Milligan’s cousin, Earl Gordon, was calling people looking for medical help to avoid going to a hospital. The caller allegedly said Milligan had a serious knee injury. When police later arrested Milligan, they found him with a heavily bleeding knee wrapped in a poorly applied bandage. Officers also recovered a blue winter jacket and blood-stained clothing from his apartment.
Charges filed against Dayton Milligan
Milligan is now facing multiple serious charges, including:
- First-degree reckless homicide
- Hit and run involving death
- Knowingly operating a vehicle while license was revoked
Police also said Milligan never had a valid driver’s license. Records show he was previously involved in another deadly hit-and-run case in 2020, for which he was convicted of second-degree reckless homicide and hit and run causing death. That history is likely to play a major role in the court case.
How this case highlights the danger of street racing
This incident has shocked many people because it shows how quickly illegal racing can turn deadly. Driving at more than 100 mph on city roads leaves almost no time to react, putting innocent lives at risk. The loss of an EMT, someone who dedicated his life to saving others, has made the tragedy even more painful for the community.
Police continue to investigate the case, and prosecutors are expected to pursue strong penalties. If convicted, Milligan could spend decades in prison.
