Driver killed in 3-vehicle crash on I-94 in Porter County

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By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Oct 11, 2008 at 11:08 AM EST

Story Updated: Oct 11, 2008 at 11:09 AM EST

CHESTERTON — One person was killed in a three-vehicle accident on I-94 in Porter County just before 1 a.m. Saturday.

Benjamin Larson, 30 of Platteville, Wisc. was stopped in the eastbound lanes behind a semi-trailer at the 28.5 mile marker as traffic slowed for a previous accident.

Larson's Dodge Intrepid was hit from behind by a Ford Expedition driven by 54-year-old Michael Michalski of Tinley Park, Ill. The impact pushed the Intrepid into the back of the semi-trailer, and Larson was pronounced dead at the scene from blunt force trauma.

Neither Michalski nor the semi driver was injured.

Michalski was arrested on charges of operating while intoxicated causing death and taken to the Porter County Jail.

Sunday, Nov 2 at 12:03 AM Corporate America wrote ...

Lets just have another corporate golf outing in the name of fun or prosperity. Who cares if someone gets too drunk to drive thats not our responsibility. Or is it? We don't have to think of the safety and well being of our employees at this function. Or do we? If our so called friend or co-worker kills someone drunk driving tonight thats not our problem besides we already have a set insurance amount for wrongful death suits. Its all about the money when it comes down to it. Is'nt it?

Saturday, Nov 1 at 11:53 PM Justice seeker wrote ...

What is wrong with our judicial system? There is no question that Michael Michalski killed Ben Larson while drunk driving. The evidence is overwhelming. Michael Michalski should not be allowed to leave until proven guilty! He is guilty! Hello! I only hope he does'nt kill yet another innocent person while he awaits a trial! Our system is all wrong. May justice work for the Larson family!

Saturday, Nov 1 at 11:40 PM Old Country Punishment wrote ...

I wish we could punish Michael Michalski like they did in the old country. Stone him to death for Ben Larson's death. An eye for an eye! That would definately deter people from drinking and driving. Why should the killer (Michael Michalski) have a right to live? Ben Larson was an innocent man and his right to live was taken by a very selfish man. I am sure Michael Michalski only cares about himself. He has already proven that.

Saturday, Nov 1 at 11:31 PM Responsibility Check wrote ...

Everyone connected with Michael Michalski's negligent homicide should pay for Ben Larson's death. No amount of money will bring him back but the more money taken, the more the parties involved will remember. This will help people to be accountable and possibly save lives in the future. No one should have to lose a loved one to a drunk driver. When will our society stop accepting this type of crime? We need to hold everyone accountable!

Thursday, Oct 16 at 8:25 AM Anonymous wrote ...

From somebody who knows Mike he drank and then drove quite often only this time he got caught. Why are they blaming Ford Motor because he came back from a golf outing he should of slept in his car. 8 years in prison is not enough I wish they could fry this guy. I feel awful about Benjamin and his family as a mother myself I feel heartbroken. I have heard so many good things about Benjamin he will be in my heart forever.....

Monday, Oct 13 at 6:12 PM Fine Illinois Person wrote ...

Speaking as an FIP - My Husband(Paramedic) was the first one on the scene to assist without any regard to his or his families safety. Drunk Driving is a nationwide problem and your ignorance really shines. Please stay north of the border - however should you be down in our neck of the woods and require assistance - I'm sure an FIP would oblige - no matter how idiotic you are. Our prayers are with the Larson family in their time of grief and will always be with me in my heart and mind.

Monday, Oct 13 at 10:58 AM FIPs Are The Worst wrote ...

Yet Another FIP ( Fine Illinois Person ) causes mayhem and destruction !!! FIPs are like the Plague here in our neck of the woods !!! One cannot turn around without bumping into a FIP !!! We wish FIPs would just stay at home and harm each other instead of imposing their FIPness on others !!!

Sunday, Oct 12 at 8:10 PM Jeremy Bennett wrote ...

It's a sad day when a drunk kills a guy as good as Ben. It simply boggles the mind how much ben went through in life to get where he was, only to have his life taken by a drunk driver.

Sunday, Oct 12 at 9:34 AM Andy Paulsen wrote ...

Ben, is a friend of mine and I hope the guilt of this accident haunts Mr. Michalski for the rest of his life. Because of his stupidity a great person and friend is no longer with us. I hope the Illinois justice system does not take this incident lightly. I also hope I never meet Mr. Michalski because I don't know what I would do. We all love you Ben, you will be missed forever. Andy Paulsen

Sunday, Oct 12 at 2:05 AM Frank wrote ...

Speed is not the real issue; drunk driving is the issue. Before we make judgments about speed, we need to remember that it's possible that Michalski was going below the speed limit at the time of the accident. Situational awareness is compromised significantly by alcohol; that's why one CAN'T DRIVE IMPAIRED. Causing the death is big punishment, but Michalski will go to jail if the prosecutor does his/her job. Prayers to and for the Larsen family.

Saturday, Oct 11 at 5:31 PM Anonymous wrote ...

if i were president anyone causing the death of another due to DUI i would give them the death pen. no matter if you were 16 or 86, poor guy he never saw it coming his ghost should haunt her for the rest of her life. RIP

Saturday, Oct 11 at 5:10 PM Father Donald C. wrote ...

In life you have to choose to live or die with dignity. Going 80 to 95 mph is insane. I saw those drivers speeding so fast like they were being chased by thousands of demons. Where do they go so fast? Why arent their companies fined for speeding up so much? No wonder driver are plagued by heart attacks, depressing, loneliness and forsakennes. My prayer to St. Damian for all driver to slow down and star praying. Life on earth is not forever. We are passign awasy quicker than you think. Amen

Saturday, Oct 11 at 1:20 PM Just Me wrote ...

ANOTHER DRUNK DRIVER CAUSING A DEATH! WHEN WILL PEOPLE LEARN?

Saturday, Oct 11 at 1:13 PM Road Warrior wrote ...

I drive the Toll Road 3-4 a week to Ohio or Illinois for one main reason. I WILL NOT drive on I-94. Illinois drivers Westbound and Michigan drivers Eastbound treat this highway like The Indy 500. I normally do 5-7 mph over the limit myself, and I find I'm usually one of the SLOWEST on the road. My prayers for the family of Mr. Larson. I also pray that someday reality sets in and drivers like Mr. Michalski WAKE UP and realize there ARE consequences to being an idiot behind the wheel.

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