La crosse man struck by vehicle and killed in Vernon County

VERNON COUNTY, Wis (WRCO / WRCE / WLCX) – A bicyclist from LaCrosse was killed in Vernon County. Sheriff Roy Torgerson reports a crash occurred Wednesday afternoon (July 23) at approximately 1:30p, on State Highway 35 in the Town of Bergen, rural Stoddard.

A 72-year-old man from La Crosse, was riding a bicycle southbound on the southbound, paved shoulder of State Highway 35, south of the City of La Crosse. The cyclist suddenly veered left into the path of a southbound vehicle operated by a 74-year-old female of rural Genoa. The operator of the vehicle made an evasive maneuver but was unable to avoid a direct-impact collision with the cyclist.

After extensive lifesaving measures were exhausted, the cyclist was pronounced dead at the scene by a deputy of the Office of Vernon County Coroner Betty Nigh. Through further investigation to determine why the cyclist made the sudden maneuver into the roadway, it was learned he frequently cycled on Mohawk Valley Road which intersects the opposite side of the highway.

The operator of the motor vehicle, nor her passenger, reported any injuries.  All names are being withheld pending family notifications. A portion of State Highway 35 was closed in both directions for approximately two hours. The crash remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office and Vernon County Coroner’s Office.

Responding to the scene with the Sheriff’s Office were the Stoddard-Bergen Volunteer Fire Department, Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance, La Crosse County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wisconsin State Patrol. Sheriff Torgerson would also like to thank the La Crosse Police Department Chaplaincy for their assistance and support.

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