September 18, 2024 – Fond du Lac Co., WI – On Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at approximately 9:16 p.m. the Fond du Lac County Communications Center received a 911 call of a vehicle versus motorcycle crash on State Highway 23 in the Township of Rosendale. Deputies with the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office, Ripon Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, Rosendale Fire Department and First Responders, Ripon Ambulance, and ThedaStar Medical Helicopter were dispatched to the crash.
Initial reports indicated the motorcyclist could not feel his legs and the vehicle operator had neck and back pain.
Through investigation and witness statements, it was learned the motorcycle was being operated by a 35-year-old Ripon man.
The vehicle was being driven by a 36-year-old Malone woman. Both were traveling westbound on State Highway 23 when the motorcyclist was struck from behind by the vehicle, causing the motorcyclist to crash; he was thrown off the motorcycle.
The man suffered serious injuries and was flown from the scene by ThedaStar Medical Helicopter to ThedaCare Regional Medical Center – Neenah. The man was not wearing a helmet.
The woman suffered minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital. State Highway 23 was closed for approximately two hours between CTH M and Center Rd.
Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash and the woman was arrested on suspicion of operating while intoxicated. The investigation is ongoing by the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office.