On Friday, June 7th, 2024, at approximately 12:52 p.m., Sheriff Dale McCullick reports that the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a motorcycle vs. motor vehicle crash at the intersection of US HWY 18 and Vineyard Rd. in the Township of Bridgeport.
Russell Bessel (35) of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, was operating a motorcycle southbound on US HWY 18, and Sheldon Stotmeister (72) of Platteville, Wisconsin, was operating a vehicle northbound on US HWY 18. Stotmeister entered the intersection making a left-hand turn, and as he crossed the southbound lanes of travel, Bessel collided into the passenger’s side of his vehicle with his motorcycle. Bessel was ejected from the motorcycle and severely injured. Stotmeister escaped without injury. Bessel’s motorcycle and Stotmeister’s vehicle both sustained disabling damage.
The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Prairie du Chien Police Department, Bridgeport Fire Department, Bridgeport First Responders, Gundersen Ambulance, and Milo’s Towing Service.
This crash currently remains under investigation.