CENTER, Outagamie County, Wis., Oct. 23, 2026 — A motorcyclist died Thursday night, October 22, after his bike was sideswiped by a farm combine and then struck by an SUV in the Town of Center. The crash happened at County Highway A and Krueger Road, according to the Outagamie County Sheriff's Office.
Deputies were called to the intersection around 6:20 p.m. The motorcyclist, a 26-year-old man from Center, was pronounced dead at the scene before he could be taken to a hospital.
A preliminary investigation by the sheriff's office found that a combine harvester was pulling out of a driveway onto Hwy A when it sideswiped the motorcycle. The impact reportedly pushed the bike into the oncoming lane, where it was hit head-on by an SUV.
The SUV's driver, a 49-year-old man from Shiocton, was treated at the scene for injuries described as minor. The combine's operator was not hurt. Names of those involved have not been released, which officials say is standard while next of kin are notified.
Hwy A was shut down for about five hours while investigators worked the scene. The crash remains under investigation.
Our sympathies are with the family of the person who lost their life.
More on Crashes in Center, WI
This motorcycle crash happened on Krueger Road in Center, WI. We cover crashes across Outagamie County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Outagamie County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What typically causes motorcycle crashes?
Many involve another vehicle failing to see the motorcycle in time, usually while turning, merging, or pulling out from a driveway or side road, combined with the motorcycle's smaller size and shorter stopping distance.
Why do motorcycle crashes tend to cause more serious injuries?
Riders have no outer frame to absorb a crash the way a car does, so a collision that might cause minor damage to a vehicle can throw a rider from the bike or into another vehicle's path.
How do left turns and driveway pull-outs lead to motorcycle collisions?
A vehicle entering or crossing a roadway can misjudge a motorcycle's speed or distance, or simply not see it, leading to a sideswipe or T-bone type impact as the motorcycle passes through the intersection or driveway.
What can other drivers do to spot motorcycles more reliably?
Checking twice before pulling out, turning, or changing lanes, and giving extra time at intersections and driveways, can help drivers register a motorcycle's smaller profile before moving into its path.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in Center, Wisconsin
If you or someone nearby is involved in a motorcycle crash, call 911 right away and avoid moving an injured rider unless there's an immediate danger, such as fire or oncoming traffic. Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out by a medical provider, since some injuries from an impact don't show symptoms right away. Try to note details like the time, weather, and positions of vehicles involved while they're fresh, and get contact information for anyone who saw what happened. Once law enforcement has finished its on-scene work, follow up with the department handling the case to get a copy of the official report for your records.
