Pierce County, WI (April 24, 2026) – Two people lost their lives following a motorcycle crash on Wednesday, April 22, along State Road 35 near 1050th Street in the Town of Oak Grove.
Emergency units were notified around 6:13 p.m. of a collision involving two motorcycles with injuries. According to officials, a motorcycle operated by 47-year-old Tamitha Thein of Maplewood, Minnesota, was traveling northbound when it collided with a southbound motorcycle driven by 26-year-old Evan Jorgenson of Cottage Grove, Minnesota.
Both riders were taken to Regions Hospital in Saint Paul with serious injuries. Thein was later pronounced dead at the hospital, while Jorgenson died the following day, Thursday, April 23.
The crash remains under investigation. Additional details may become available as authorities continue their review. We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased victims.
Why Head-on Motorcycle Collisions Can Be Especially Severe
Motorcycle crashes involving opposite directions of travel can result in significant impact due to combined speeds. When two motorcycles collide head-on, there is little protection for riders compared to enclosed vehicles, which can increase the risk of life-threatening injuries.
Factors such as lane position, visibility, and road alignment may influence the occurrence of these collisions. Even small deviations from a travel lane can lead to dangerous outcomes, especially on highways where speeds are higher and reaction time is limited.
Protective gear, including helmets and reinforced clothing, can help reduce injury severity but may not prevent fatal outcomes in high-impact crashes. Road awareness and maintaining clear separation between opposing traffic remain key elements in reducing these types of incidents.
