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Three from Wisconsin killed in Costa Rica crash

Posted at 5:20 PM, Oct 22, 2019
and last updated 2019-10-22 18:20:27-04

Three people from Wisconsin were killed in Costa Rica over the weekend when a drunk driver crashed into their taxi van.

The victims are Andy Niemiec, 46, and his wife Jennifer Niemiec, 46, of Franklin and Bill Stevens, 50, of Salem.

Police say early Saturday morning, the group was in a tourist taxi van when they were hit by a semi-driver. Police say the driver of the semi was drunk.

The driver of the taxi, from Costa Rica, was also killed.

Stevens' wife suffered minor injuries in the crash.

The Niemiec's leave behind two children. Andy's brother tells TODAY'S TMJ4 they are destroyed by this news and are focused on having their remains brought back to Wisconsin so they can properly mourn.

The Niemiec's children attend the Franklin School District. Franklin High School Principal Mike Vuolo released the following statement after news of the crash:

"Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends. We again need to come together as a community to support each other. We will respect the privacy and dignity of the family and do everything we can to provide care and support for anyone impacted by this shocking loss. I encourage anyone who needs support to reach out."

The U.S. State Department says as of June, five Americans had been killed in vehicle related crashes in Costa Rica.