Fatal Motorcycle Crash In Crawford County

On Sunday around 5:20 p.m. the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department was notified of a motorcycle crash on 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 Highway 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, 39 year old Matthew Keleman of La Crosse, and his passenger, 48 year old Tannille Zemple of La Crosse were ejected from the motorcycle. Zemple sustained minor injuries, and she was taken by ambulance to the hospital. Keleman was airlifted from the scene, and later died as a result of his injuries. Keleman and Zemple were not wearing helmets or protective gear. This crash remains under investigation.