Motorcyclist dies in crash Sunday

A motorcyclist died as a result of a three-vehicle crash Sunday afternoon, Oct. 11, on the north side of Prairie du Chien, according to the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department.

At 12:57 p.m., officers responded to a crash on State Highway 35 at Meadow Lane in Prairie du Chien Township. A 2008 Honda sport van, operated by Jason Bland, 36, of Holmen, was stopped in the northbound lane waiting for a vehicle to make a left-hand turn onto Meadow Drive. A 2013 Harley Davidson motorcycle, operated by Daniel Koch, 34, of Waterloo, Iowa, was also stopped behind the Bland vehicle.

Larry Walters, 69, of Marion, Iowa, was operating a 2008 Harley Davidson motorcycle and also driving northbound when he failed to yield to the stopped vehicles. Walters first collided with the Koch motorcycle, causing it to fall, then collided into the rear of the Bland vehicle. The impact forced Walters to exit the highway and enter the east ditch. He was ejected from the motorcycle about 29 feet from the point of impact.

There was minor damage to the Walters motorcycle as well as minor damage to both the Bland and Koch vehicles.

No injuries were reported by Bland or his passengers.

Koch was transported and released from Crossing Rivers Health with minor injuries.

Walters, who was wearing a helmet, was also transported to Crossing Rivers Health with severe injuries to his chest.  Walters later died as a result of those injuries.

Both the Koch and Walters motorcycles were towed from the scene.

The Prairie du Chien Police Department, Bob’s Towing, Bridgeport Fire, Bridgeport First Responders, and Tri-State Ambulance assisted at the scene. The crash remains under investigation.