Motorcyclist Dies In Head-On Crash

August 09, 2008
Contact: Lt. David Karls Phone: (608) 284-6155 FAX: (608) 284-6043
Sheriff's Office

Madison, WI: August 9, 2008 At 2:40 am, a Dane County Deputy Sheriff observed a motorcyclist weaving in the northbound lane of USH 51 near Gray Road, in the Town of Windsor. The deputy activated his emergency lights and siren in an attempt to stop the operator of the motorcycle. The operator failed to stop, increased his speed, and turned west onto Holum Street, in the Village of DeForest, in an attempt to elude the deputy. Because the motorcyclist was carrying a passenger, the deputy terminated his pursuit of the motorcyclist. Seconds later, the deputy observed the motorcycle stop and the passenger dismount. The motorcyclist then fled north on Stevenson Street from Yahara Street. A responding DeForest Police Officer observed the fleeing motorcyclist and began to pursue. Within a few more seconds, the deputy had identified the motorcylce operator through information from the passenger, and after announcing this information, the DeForest Police Officer terminated his pursuit. The motorcycle continued traveling north on Grinde Road toward USH 51. After fleeing the Village of DeForest, the motorcyclist, age 33 of DeForest, crashed head-on into a 2004 Honda Accord traveling southbound on USH 51, just north of Grinde Road. The motorcyclist, who was not wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead at the scene. The operator of the Honda Accord, Rachel N. Hron, age 22 of Sun Prairie, sustained numerous significant, but non-life threatening injuries. Hron, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was transported by Med Flight to UW Hospital for treatment of her injuries. Hron was charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated - 1st Offense, and admitted to the hospital. The name of the motorcyclist is not being released at this time pending notification of family. Speed and alcohol appear to be contributing factors in this crash, which remains under investigation. UPDATE The deceased driver of the motorcycle has been identified as Michael S. Paul, 33, from DeForest.