Eau Claire, WI — Flames engulfed the vehicle of Jack Ritchie, 35, before first responders could reach him, leaving no chance for rescue in a devastating crash early Wednesday morning. The fatal collision occurred at the intersection of West Clairemont Avenue and Craig Road following a high-speed police pursuit
According to authorities, the chase began around 2:40 a.m. when officers attempted a routine traffic stop on Anthony Reyes, 27. Instead of complying, Reyes allegedly fled with his headlights off, weaving recklessly into oncoming lanes. Despite officers’ efforts to intercept him, Reyes’s vehicle collided head-on with Ritchie’s car.
The force of the impact sparked an inferno that quickly consumed Ritchie’s vehicle. Tragically, by the time firefighters arrived, flames had overtaken the car, and Ritchie was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials emphasized that Ritchie had no connection to the chase and was an innocent driver caught in the path of Reyes’s flight.
Reyes sustained injuries in the crash and was transported to a nearby hospital. While receiving treatment, police reported he became combative with medical staff before being released back into custody. He now faces multiple charges, including vehicular homicide and fleeing law enforcement.
The crash shut down the intersection for several hours as investigators reconstructed the scene and reviewed dashcam and bodycam footage. Meanwhile, family and friends mourn the sudden loss of Ritchie, remembered as a kind, hardworking man whose life was cut short by preventable recklessness.