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Paige Pope

Age : 17

Gender : Female

Race : White

Date : 07/29/2024

Location : Unknown

City : New Berlin

County : Waukesha

State : Wisconsin

Agency : Muskego Police Department

Officer(s) :Not Disclosed

Cause of Death : Vehicle

Event : Passenger killed by police chase crash over marijuana smell in car

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

On 07/29/2024, Muskego Police Department officers observed a Toyota Corolla parked near Idle Isle Park and reported suspicious behavior, including believing the occupants were smoking marijuana. When officers attempted a traffic stop, the vehicle continued driving while police pursued. During the pursuit, officers reported that the vehicle's speed and reckless driving became their primary concern.
The pursuit continued into New Berlin for less than two miles before the Corolla lost control while negotiating a turn on National Avenue near Sunnyslope Drive. The vehicle rolled several times. Paige Pope, 17, died from her injuries. Driver Giana Ochs, 18, also died in the crash, while passenger Caitlyn Curtis, 17, died several days later from her injuries. A fourth occupant, a 16-year-old girl from Milwaukee, survived with critical injuries.
The Wisconsin State Patrol investigated the crash. As of the latest publicly available information, the names of the pursuing officers have not been publicly released, no criminal charges have been filed against any officer, and no public finding has concluded that the pursuit violated department policy. In December 2025, Muskego Police released body-camera and squad video documenting the encounter and pursuit.

SOURCE LINKS :

https://www.wisn.com/article/two-young-women-killed-in-muskego-police-pursuit/61730884
https://www.gmtoday.com/the_freeman/news/third-female-dies-in-july-crash-in-new-berlin/article_9d52a02d-bb8a-5342-a0cd-fc7a6cb9f98e.html