WASHBURN COUNTY, WI — A 43-year-old Sarona man sustained life-threatening injuries Sunday afternoon after the motorcycle he was operating crashed on southbound US 53 at Long Lake Avenue in Washburn County near Haugen.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the crash occurred at approximately 3:29 p.m. August 9, 2026, at milepost 155.
The Wisconsin State Patrol and Washburn County Sheriff’s Office responded to the crash.
Preliminary evidence from the crash scene indicates a 2006 Harley-Davidson motorcycle was traveling southbound on US 53 when the motorcycle operator struck the left rear corner of another vehicle. The operator then lost control of the motorcycle, which came to rest in the median.
During the crash investigation, troopers found evidence that the motorcycle operator may have been impaired by alcohol.
The operator sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to Spooner Health Hospital before being flown to a hospital in Duluth.
The operator’s name is being withheld pending notification of family.
The DOT report lists the operator as a 43-year-old male from Sarona. It also lists alcohol use as "Yes." Enforcement action is pending the investigation.
The crash remains under investigation by the Wisconsin State Patrol.
Assisting agencies included the Washburn County Sheriff’s Office, Shell Lake Fire Department and North Memorial Ambulance.
Last Update: Aug 10, 2026 9:24 am CDT
