Woman killed in head-on crash on way to work in Madera. Other driver had 2 DUIs, CHP says
The man who officers said was suspected of drunken driving in a fatal crash this week had two prior DUI arrests in Madera County, records show.
Emilianne “Emi” Joyce Audler, 20, of Madera was on her way to work about 4 a.m. Monday before she was killed in a head-on crash that involved Michael James Messer, 38, of Madera, the woman’s family and California Highway Patrol confirmed.
She was driving a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu west on Ellis Street crossing Fairview Street in north Madera as Messer was in a 2009 GMC 1500 truck headed the opposite way, CHP said.
Messer was driving at a high rate of speed when he crossed into the opposite lane and struck the Malibu head-on, CHP said.
Audler suffered major injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, CHP said.
Her family set up a GoFundMe to cover funeral expenses and the account has garnered $13,821 in less than 24 hours.
“Those of you who knew Emilianne knew how hardworking she was. How funny she was. How brilliant she was. How loving she was. And how bright her future was,” the GoFundMe says. “We are currently going through tremendous grief, and are working on funeral arrangements for our baby girl.”
Messer had major injuries and was airlifted to Community Regional Medical Center, CHP said.
Madera County Superior Court records show Messer had misdemeanor DUI arrests in 2018 and 2021.
The crash this week was still under investigation on Tuesday.
This story was originally published July 11, 2023 at 1:52 PM.
