Grant Co., WI (May 11, 2026) – Two people died in two separate crashes on Grant County roads over the weekend, with one involving a motorcycle and the other a pickup truck that rolled multiple times after leaving the roadway.
The first crash happened Saturday, May 9, at around 3:30 p.m. on Brouillard Hill Rd, west of Old Potosi Rd, in Potosi Township. Timothy Ravn, 63, of St. Paul, Minnesota, was riding his motorcycle westbound when it locked up after cresting a hill. The motorcycle fell onto its side and skidded to a stop. Ravn, who was wearing a full-face helmet and jacket, suffered serious injuries. A medical flight was called, but he died before he could be transported.
The second crash occurred early Sunday, May 10, after 2:30 a.m. on County Hwy A near Buckwheat Ridge Rd in Ellenboro Township. A 17-year-old driver heading eastbound drifted off the road’s edge, crossed the center line, and went into a ditch. The truck struck an embankment and rolled several times. Both the teen driver and his 26-year-old passenger, identified as Katy Schafer of Montford, were thrown from the vehicle. Schafer died as a result of the crash. The teen driver was taken to a hospital with critical injuries. Speed is believed to be a factor. County Hwy A was closed for seven hours following the crash.
Authorities continue to investigate both incidents, and more details will be released as they become available. We extend our sincere condolences to the families of Timothy Ravn and Katy Schafer.
What Factors Most Commonly Lead to Fatal Crashes on Rural Wisconsin Roads
Rural roads in Wisconsin account for a disproportionate share of the state’s traffic deaths each year. Two-lane county highways and township roads often have no shoulders, limited lighting, and sharp elevation changes that can catch drivers off guard. These conditions leave little margin for error, especially at higher speeds or during nighttime hours.
Motorcycle crashes on hilly rural roads carry particular risks. Sudden changes in road grade can affect braking distance and handling in ways that are harder to manage than on flat terrain. Ejection from a vehicle, whether from a motorcycle or a truck rollover, dramatically increases the chance of fatal injury since the person loses all protection the vehicle would otherwise provide.
