Michelle Stewart died from multiple traumatic injuries after being struck by a UTV driven by her husband, Frank Stewart, in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, on June 9, 2024. Initially, Frank claimed she fell down stairs or from ground level, but hospital findings and autopsy contradicted this. Frank later admitted to accidentally running over her while searching for her in the field. He was charged with negligent homicide, pleaded guilty in October 2025, and was sentenced in December 2025. No intentional murder charges were filed.
Country: United States
State/Province: Wisconsin, United States
City/Region: Balsam Lake
Incident Type: Domestic Violence Homicide
Relationship Status: Married
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Incident Date: June 9, 2024
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How the relationship or connection began.
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2024-06-09
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English labels are shown first. Original-language titles are preserved for source verification.
Controversial Crimes Media · Original language: English
Insurance Agent's Tragic UTV Accident: Did He Run Over His Wife? Shocking Wisconsin Case Exposed
Domestic Violence
The case involves a tragic domestic incident where the husband accidentally caused the death of his wife. Initial deception and conflicting accounts complicated the investigation. The relationship was marital, and the incident occurred during marriage, highlighting risks of domestic conflict escalating to fatal outcomes even without intent.
Police investigation included hospital injury analysis, autopsy confirming death by UTV impact, and crash reconstruction. Frank Stewart initially lied but later admitted negligent operation. He was charged with negligent homicide, pleaded guilty, and sentenced in Polk County Court. No intentional murder charges were filed.
Initial conflicting accounts about cause of injury (fall vs. vehicle strike) and uncertainty about victim's position at time of impact. Discrepancies between medical findings and suspect's statements required detailed investigation.
Frank and Michelle Stewart went to a field with their dog. Michelle walked across the field and went out of sight. Frank searched for her with the UTV and accidentally ran over her right hip area while she was lying on her right side. He stopped immediately and called 911 but initially did not disclose the true cause. Hospital staff noted injuries inconsistent with a fall. Autopsy confirmed death by UTV impact. Frank later admitted negligence and pleaded guilty.
Moderate risk due to domestic conflict and deception post-incident; no prior violence explicitly reported but escalation evident in incident outcome.
Early deception and failure to disclose critical facts can complicate investigations. Medical evidence can contradict suspect statements, highlighting importance of forensic analysis. Domestic incidents can result in accidental fatalities with complex emotional and legal consequences.
Initial inconsistent injury explanations and delayed admission of running over the victim were key early signals.
Hospital injury patterns inconsistent with fall, autopsy findings, and Frank's eventual admission helped connect the case.
Autopsy report, hospital injury observations, crash reconstruction, and suspect's admissions were strongest evidence.
Not reported.
Follow-up reports clarified the cause of death as accidental negligent homicide rather than intentional murder.
Exact circumstances of victim's position and how the avulsion pocket injury occurred remain somewhat unclear.