On Sunday, September 1st, 2024, at approximately 5:21 p.m., Sheriff Dale McCullick reports that the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a motorcycle crash on State Highway 35 and Bluegill Drive in the Township of Freeman.
According to witnesses, northbound vehicles were slowing to a stop for a vehicle waiting to make a left turn onto Bluegill Drive from STH 35, and a northbound motorcycle came upon the slowing vehicles. As the motorcycle approached the slowing vehicles, the operator braked and swerved to avoid a rear-end collision, and the operator lost control of the motorcycle.
The operator, Matthew Keleman (39) of La Crosse, and his passenger, Tannille Zemple (48) of La Crosse were ejected from the motorcycle. Zemple sustained minor injuries, and she was transported by ambulance to the hospital. Keleman was airlifted from the scene, and later succumbed to his injuries. Keleman and Zemple were not wearing helmets or protective gear.
The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Ferryville Fire Department, Ferryville First Responders, Desoto Fire Department, Desoto First Responders, Wheatland Fire Department, Ocooch Mountain Rescue, Gundersen Ambulance, Gundersen Air, and Bob’s Towing Service.
This crash remains under investigation.