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Charges: Motorcyclist Was Drunk In Deer Crash That Killed His Wife

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A 44-year-old northern Minnesota man is accused of driving drunk last September in a motorcycle crash with a deer that killed his wife.

Corey Reitmeier, of Crookston, was charged by summons in Polk County with criminal vehicular homicide as a result of operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher.

The charge stems from a crash that happened on the night of Sept. 26 that killed 43-year-old Wendy L. Reitmeier. A criminal complaint says she was sitting behind her husband when the two hit a deer on a dark county road. They were not wearing helmets.

Wendy Reitmeier was thrown from the motorcycle on impact. An autopsy report said she died instantly from head trauma.

Corey Reitmeier suffered significant injuries and was hospitalized. A blood test taken shortly after the crash showed he had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.18.

The person who called 911, a friend of the Reitmeiers, said the two had been drinking prior to the crash.

In an interview with authorities the day after, Corey Reitmeier said he and his wife had drinks in the afternoon while closing up the cabin for the season. He added that he had another drink at a park before getting on his motorcycle to go home.

In a later interview with officials, he said he had four mixed drinks throughout the day.

If convicted of the charges, Corey Reitmeier faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and/or a $20,000 fine.

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