2 Killed In SUV-Motorcycle Crash In Western Wis.
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Two people have been killed in a crash involving a motorcycle and an SUV in western Wisconsin.
The crash happened Monday evening in Pierce County, along Highway 10 near 450th Avenue in Ellsworth Township.
The motorcycle was being driven by 58-year-old James D. Marinaro of New Brighton, and he had as a passenger 52-year-old Denise M. Thomas from Blaine.
The motorcycle was traveling along the highway and approaching 450th Avenue, where a 1995 Ford Explorer was traveling in the opposite direction.
The SUV attempted to make a turn onto 450th Avenue when it was struck by the motorcycle. Both Marinaro and Thomas were ejected on impact, and both vehicles soon caught on fire.
Both Marinaro and Thomas were pronounced dead on the scene.
The families involved want this latest tragedy to remind everyone sharing the roads to try harder to keep them safe.
Minnesota State Patrol Lt. Tiffani Nielson says it's up to drivers and motorcyclists to be cautious.
"Drivers who do rolling stops aren't giving their eyes a chance to see approaching vehicles and those pillars on windshields are good at obstructing things," Nielson said.
Last year was concerning for Nielson.
By this time last year 18 people had already died in motorcycle crashes in Minnesota. This year nine have died so far.
"A lot of riders were going off the road, failing to negotiate curves, lack of helmet use was pretty common in the fatal crashes," Nielson said.
Fifteen motorcyclists have died so far this year in Wisconsin.
"Always be under the assumption drivers can't see you when making decisions while riding your motorcycle," Nielson said.
The driver of the SUV, 20-year-old Brieanna K. Davis of Ellsworth, was taken to the River Falls Area Hospital with injuries. Her condition was not immediately available.
The county sheriff's office is investigating the incident.
Marinaro's sister said she is planning a memorial ride for him this weekend.
