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Wife of JB Hunt Truck Driver Killed by Lightning in Wisconsin Gas Station Lot Shares His Story — Pete Garamone Was 41, Leaves Behind Wife and 7-Year-Old Son: “Anything Can Happen Any Day”

By
Kristina
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PEWAUKEE, WISCONSIN — The wife of a JB Hunt truck driver killed by lightning at a Waukesha County gas station on April 16 has come forward to share her husband’s story, remember the man he was, and urge others to take severe weather warnings seriously.

Pete Garamone, 41, a long-haul JB Hunt truck driver from York, Pennsylvania, was returning to his truck at a Kwik Trip off I-94 near Golf Road when lightning struck him in the parking lot. He was able to call 911 himself after being struck but became unresponsive before responders arrived. Passers-by attempted to revive him at the scene. Despite their efforts and those of local emergency services and hospital staff, Garamone did not survive. He was the first lightning fatality in the United States in 2026.

His wife, Lisa Cox, received the news by phone from the emergency room — a call she did not believe at first. “I hung up on the doctor because I didn’t believe her. And I started calling my husband’s cell phone, and the police picked up,” Cox said.

Courtesy: Lisa Cox

The Man Behind the Wheel

Garamone leaves behind Cox and their 7-year-old son, Peter Paul Jr. His trucking route kept him away from home five to six days a week, but those who knew him said he made every moment at home count.

“He was my son’s best friend, and my son was his best friend. They were so close,” Cox said. “He was a strong guy, he was an extremely hard worker for his family, for our son and me.”

His father, Jim Garamone, announced the loss publicly. “I don’t really know how to say this, but our older son — Peter Paul Garamone Sr. — was hit by lightning while hauling goods in Wisconsin last night. He is dead at 41. Our hearts go out to his wife Lisa and our grandson Peter Paul Jr.,” he wrote.

Friends who contributed to the GoFundMe in his memory described him as a man who brought joy and warmth to every relationship. “To have seen Peter Paul Garamone Sr. with his son was to witness soul-bound love and contagious joy. Pete brought a gregariousness and spark with him to every relationship,” the page reads.

Courtesy: Lisa Cox

When his son turned five, Garamone wrote him a birthday poem that surprised everyone who knew him:

“Peter Paul you are five years old
You are my treasure; you are my gold
When I first met you you were big as my shoe
Look at you now so big and tall
I will always be there if you ever fall
Your mother and I love you so much
No matter your age we’ll always be in touch
It has been such a pleasure to see you grow
I want everyone in the world to know
You will always be my very best friend
and with that stated this poem should end.
Love you.”

A Message to Others

Cox said her focus now is laying Garamone to rest and making sure their son is able to cope with the loss. She is raising Peter Paul Jr. to make his father proud. “I’ll spend the rest of my life reminding Peter Jr. how much his dad loved him and how amazing he was,” Cox said.

She wants people to take storm warnings seriously and not underestimate the danger of being outside during severe weather. “Anything can happen. Any day at any time. Don’t take your loved ones for granted. Always remember, always enjoy, always make sure you say goodbye, give them a hug, give them a kiss,” Cox said.

A GoFundMe has been established to help Cox and Peter Paul Jr. cover unexpected costs, bring Garamone home, and support funeral arrangements. The campaign has raised $15,880 from 146 donations toward an $18,000 goal.

Interview courtesy of TMJ4 News.

📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.

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Tractor-Trailer Overturns and Rests Against Concrete Barrier on Route 5 Skyway Ramp in Buffalo — Ramp Closed for Hours While Crews Work to Right Truck

By
Kristina
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BUFFALO, NEW YORK — A tractor-trailer overturned on the ramp from Route 5 to northbound I-190 in downtown Buffalo Monday morning, coming to rest on its side against a concrete barrier and closing the ramp while crews worked to right the vehicle.

The incident occurred at approximately 10 a.m. on April 27. The truck was found on its side resting against the concrete barrier along the Route 5 Skyway exit to I-190. Emergency crews blocked off the ramp while working the scene. Just before noon, crews were seen working to get the tractor-trailer upright. Montgomery’s Service uprighted the truck. The driver walked away without injury.

📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.

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Dairy Tanker Fined $5,400 After Inspectors Find It Nearly 26,000 kg Overweight and Leaking Milk From the Top the Entire Journey in Canada — Cracks Also Found Near Rear of Tank

By
Kristina
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DEAUVILLE, QUEBEC — A dairy tanker truck was pulled over at a Quebec checkpoint on April 27 after inspectors found it was nearly 26,000 kilograms over the maximum allowed weight and had been leaking milk from the top of the tanker throughout its journey.

The incident occurred at the Deauville checkpoint in Quebec’s Eastern Townships. The maximum weight allowed at that checkpoint is 45,000 kg. The truck weighed in at 70,850 kg — a difference of 25,850 kg. The tanker was excessively full, causing milk to spill from the top with each movement of the truck, posing both a safety and environmental hazard along the route.

Inspectors also found cracks near the rear of the tanker. The vehicle was taken out of service. The carrier received a $4,200 fine and the operator was penalized $1,218.

“The tanker was excessively full, causing spills from the top of the tanker throughout the journey. With each movement of the truck, milk leaked, posing a safety and environmental hazard,” the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec said. “Furthermore, an overloaded heavy vehicle is less safe because its braking, handling and stability are compromised.”

The SAAQ noted that the incident occurred during Quebec’s spring thaw period, when roads are 30 to 70 percent more fragile than normal. “During the spring thaw, this overload accelerates road deterioration and also compromises the safety of road users,” the agency said, adding that a single overloaded vehicle can cause significant road damage during this period.

Quebec’s spring thaw restrictions are in effect as follows: Zone 1 covers southern Quebec below Mont-Tremblant from March 16 to May 15. Zone 2 runs from Tremblant to Val-D’Or from April 13 to June 12. Zone 3 covers northern Quebec from April 20 to June 10.

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Highway 200 Closed for 19 Miles in Eastern Montana After Multiple Semi-Trucks Get Stuck and Crash in Winter Weather

By
Kristina
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Multiple Semi-Trucks Get Stuck and Crash in Winter Weather

CIRCLE, MONTANA — Highway 200 is closed in both directions for approximately 19 miles in eastern Montana after winter weather conditions caused multiple semi-trucks to become stuck and crash near Circle.

The closure runs from the junction of Highway 24 at mile marker 248 to the junction with Highway 253 at mile marker 267, between Jordan and Circle. The closure began at approximately 7:07 p.m. Sunday and has extended into Monday. Montana Highway Patrol troopers are working alongside other agencies to clear the roadway.

“Please avoid the area and use caution, as our troopers are working hard alongside other agencies to clear the roadway,” MHP said.

MDOT is urging drivers to find alternate routes and avoid the area.

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Semi Driver Steers onto Unpaved Shoulder to Reduce Impact After School Bus Turns Into His Lane on US Highway 14 — Saves 10 Students From More Serious Crash

By
Kristina
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COON VALLEY, WISCONSIN — A school bus carrying ten Westby Area School District students collided with a semi-truck on US Highway 14 at Brye Lane in the Town of Hamburg Thursday afternoon, but a quick evasive maneuver by the semi driver significantly reduced the severity of the crash. No injuries were reported.

The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office said the incident occurred shortly after 3 p.m. on April 23, 2026. David Carl Aberg, 69, of rural Viroqua, was operating a 29-passenger school bus southbound on Brye Lane. Aberg stopped at the US Highway 14 intersection to wait for traffic to clear before making a left turn eastbound. Approximately three seconds after completing the turn, the right front corner of the bus struck the left side of an eastbound semi-tractor/trailer operated by Ramanpreet Singh, 50. The semi is owned by a Verona-based company.

Singh attempted to avoid the collision by steering onto the unpaved shoulder — a maneuver the Sheriff’s Office said significantly reduced the severity of the impact. Both vehicles remained under control and came to rest on the eastbound shoulder.

All ten students on the bus were checked by emergency responders. No injuries were reported among students, the bus driver, or the semi driver. The Sheriff’s Office coordinated with the school district to notify parents. Some students were picked up at the scene while others were transported home on a different school bus.

US Highway 14 was reduced to one lane while crews worked the scene. All lanes cleared by approximately 4:30 p.m. Coon Valley Fire Department, Coon Valley Emergency Medical Responders, and Tri-State Ambulance/Gundersen Ambulance assisted at the scene.

The incident remains under investigation by the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office in cooperation with the Westby Area School District. Sheriff Roy Torgerson expressed appreciation for the quick response of emergency crews and the cooperation of motorists during the lane closure.

📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.

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Semi-Truck Fails to Slow for Braking Traffic, Swerves and Strikes Another Semi — Crash Leaves Two Seriously Injured on I-5 in Portland

By
Kristina
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Semi Swerves and Strikes Another Semi

PORTLAND, OREGON — Two people were seriously injured Saturday morning after a semi-truck driver failed to slow for braking traffic on Interstate 5, swerved, and struck another semi-trailer near the I-405 interchange south of the Marquam Bridge.

Portland Police responded at approximately 10:40 a.m. The driver of the striking semi-truck and his passenger were both seriously injured in the crash. Officers applied a tourniquet to the passenger to stop bleeding before both were transported to the hospital. Both are expected to survive. The driver of the other semi-truck was not injured.

Northbound I-5 lanes near Macadam Avenue closed following the crash, with traffic rerouted onto the Macadam Avenue exit, which reconnects with I-5 on the other side of the crash scene. One southbound lane was also closed by emergency responders. All lanes reopened by approximately 3:30 p.m.

Portland Police said no citations have been issued in connection with the crash. The investigation is ongoing.

📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.

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22 People Found Packed Into Semi-Truck Sleeper Cab in Laredo — Including Two Unaccompanied Minors, Driver Faces Federal Smuggling Charges

By
Kristina
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LAREDO, TEXAS — Border Patrol agents and Laredo Police Department officers stopped a semi-truck on Highway 35 and discovered 22 people packed inside the sleeper cab, including two unaccompanied minors, in what authorities are calling a dangerous human smuggling attempt.

22 People Found Packed Into Semi-Truck Sleeper Cab in Laredo

The 22 individuals included 19 Mexican nationals, one Guatemalan national, and two unaccompanied minors from Mexico. The driver, a U.S. citizen, faces federal alien smuggling charges. No court date has been announced.

Border Patrol called the discovery a grim example of the dangers smugglers put migrants through. “This is the grim reality of human smuggling — people crammed into unsafe spaces, with no regard for their safety. We continue to target, arrest, and prosecute human smugglers to the fullest extent of the law,” the agency said.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.

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Two Superloads Nearly 200,000 Pounds Each, 27 Feet Wide Begin Multi-Day Journey Across Wyoming on Sunday, Traveling 25-35 MPH From Evanston to Gillette

By
Kristina
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0

EVANSTON, WYOMING — Two superloads arrived at the Evanston Port of Entry Saturday afternoon and will begin a multi-day journey across Wyoming on Sunday, April 26, traveling through multiple highways including I-25 before reaching their final destination in Gillette.

Wyoming Highway Patrol

Each load weighs close to 200,000 pounds and measures 27 feet wide. The loads will depart Evanston at 8 a.m. Sunday, traveling through Wyoming 89, re-entering Utah briefly before coming back into Wyoming on WY 89 near US 30. From there the route continues through Opal, Farson, and over South Pass before heading down US 287 to Muddy Gap and onto Casper. From Casper the loads will travel north on I-25 before continuing on Wyoming Highways 387 and 59 to Gillette.

Wyoming Highway Patrol

Drivers should expect significant traffic delays along the entire route. The superloads will travel at 25 to 35 mph, slowing to 10 mph when crossing bridges.

Live location updates will be available on the Wyoming Highway Patrol Facebook page and on X at @WYHighwayPatrol.

📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.

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Driver Pinned Between Tractor-Trailer and Traffic Barrier on I-91 in Connecticut — Firefighters Pull Them Out Through Window, Driver Refuses Medical Attention

By
Kristina
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Driver Pinned Between Tractor-Trailer and Traffic Barrier

WETHERSFIELD, CONNECTICUT — A driver suffered minor injuries Friday morning after their vehicle became pinned between a tractor-trailer and a traffic barrier on Interstate 91 northbound in Wethersfield, requiring firefighters to extricate the occupant through the driver’s window.

Driver Pinned Between Tractor-Trailer and Traffic Barrier

Fire officials responded just before 9 a.m. to the area near Exit 25. An incident commander arrived to find the vehicle trapped between the tractor-trailer and the barrier. Crews extricated the driver through the driver’s window. The driver was evaluated for injuries but refused medical attention. The tractor-trailer driver was not injured.

Two lanes of I-91 northbound closed for approximately one hour while crews worked the scene.

📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.

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Journalist and Father of Two Ray Hartmann, 73, Killed When Two Tires Fly Off Semi-Truck on I-64 and Crash Through Roof of His Car 

By
Kristina
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0
Ray Hartmann, 73, Killed When Two Tires Fly Off Semi-Truck

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MISSOURI — A 73-year-old man was killed Thursday afternoon after two tires separated from a semi-truck on Interstate 64 in west St. Louis County, became airborne, and crashed through the roof of his Chevrolet Bolt, striking him inside the vehicle.

The Crash

The incident occurred at approximately 2 p.m. on April 23 on I-64 just west of Interstate 270. A Volvo VNL lost two left-side road unit tires, which became airborne and traveled through the roof of the Chevrolet Bolt traveling below. West County EMS and Fire transported the driver to Mercy Hospital St. Louis, where he was pronounced dead at 2:05 p.m.

The 64-year-old driver of the Volvo VNL remained at the scene and is cooperating with authorities. He has not been publicly identified. The cause of the tire separation has not been determined. The crash caused major traffic backups for more than two hours leading into the evening rush hour, with congestion spreading to Conway and Mason roads in Town and Country.

The Victim

The driver was identified as Ray Hartmann, a journalist, broadcaster, and former Missouri Congressional candidate. He was 73 years old and is survived by his wife Kerri and two children, Ben and Brielle, who were traveling home from college when the crash occurred.

Hartmann founded the Riverfront Times in 1977 and co-founded the long-running Nine PBS debate program Donnybrook in 1987, where he remained a fixture for nearly four decades. He later revived St. Louis Magazine in 1998 and hosted a radio show on KTRS. He retired from journalism in 2024 after an unsuccessful bid for Missouri’s 2nd Congressional District seat, running as a Democrat against U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner. He had continued writing on a Substack after leaving Donnybrook for his congressional campaign.

Longtime friend and attorney Andy Leonard released a statement on behalf of the family. “His wife, Kerri Hartmann, and I were at Mercy Hospital when the doctors explained that he did not respond to their efforts. We’d like to thank the police officers who came to the scene and the doctors and staff at Mercy Hospital, who were informative and kind. The family asks you to respect their privacy at this time,” Leonard said.

Nine PBS said in a statement: “The entire team at Nine PBS, along with past and present Donnybrookers, are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Ray Hartmann. Ray was a cornerstone of St. Louis journalism and a foundational voice of Donnybrook, but most of all, he was our beloved friend. For nearly four decades, Ray was at the Donnybrook roundtable, rarely missing a week, delighting viewers with quick-witted and highly opinionated conversations about issues shaping our region.”

What Went Wrong

Attorney Jay Kanzler, who knew Hartmann personally, reflected on the crash. “You start to think of, well, what went wrong? Was it mechanical failure? Was it distracted driving, shifting of lanes? Was it inexperience? Those are all the things that you look at when something like this happens,” Kanzler said.

Donnybrook host Charlie Brennan remembered Hartmann fondly. “He was so vocal on Donnybrook. For God’s sake, you couldn’t shut the guy up. But off the air, he was caring, talked about his kids, bragged about his kids. He was so proud of his boy and his girl, and he was a great dad,” Brennan said.

Fellow Donnybrook panelist Bill McClellan said Hartmann was fearless. “He would criticize powerful people, popular people, whoever kind of fell into Ray’s radar. Ray would be willing to look at and go, ‘I think that’s wrong, and I think I’ll write about it,'” McClellan said. He also remembered the man behind the broadcaster: “Ray rented a train for his wedding, and we went from Union Station to Kimmswick. He was a great dad.”

Interviews courtesy of FOX 2 and Nine PBS.

📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.

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