Driver accused of killing man, injuring wife in Midvale Boulevard crash faces new charges

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The driver accused of killing a Madison man and injuring his wife in a crash on Midvale Boulevard is facing six new charges as of Wednesday, according to online court records.

Benjamin Cortes, 19, was driving more than 100 mph before the crash on April 27.

Police said Cortes lost control of his car while he was driving recklessly and crashed into Greg Nametz, 72, and Patty Nametz, 68. The couple was walking their dog at the time of the crash.

Cortes was originally charged with homicide by negligent operation of a motor vehicle, reckless driving causing great bodily harm and reckless driving causing bodily harm. An amended criminal complaint was filed Thursday and Cortes now faces nine charges, including homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle, homicide by vehicle while using a controlled substance, second-degree reckless homicide, injury by intoxicated use of a vehicle, injury by use of a vehicle while on a controlled substance, two counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety, causing injury while operating under the influence and causing injury while operating using a controlled substance.

Greg Nametz died instantly, officials said. Two weeks ago Patty Nametz was making “slow, painful progress” from her injuries. A family spokesperson told News 3 Thursday morning Patty Nametz is improving and facing months of rehab before returning home.

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