Wausau Pilot & Review
A motorcycle driver is dead after an early morning crash that shut down Hwy. 54 near Nekoosa for more than five hours.
The crash was reported at about 2:30 a.m. in the town of Port Edwards, near Green Grove Lane.
According to initial reports, a westbound vehicle struck the motorcycle from behind, ejecting the driver. Witnesses told police the driver of the striking vehicle left the scene of the crash and went to a nearby tavern, according to emergency scanner reports.
Crews from multiple departments responded to the scene. First responders called for a medical helicopter immediately upon arrival.
Lifesaving efforts were not successful and the motorcyclist was pronounced dead.
Hwy. 54 was blocked in both directions between Hwy. G and Swanson Road in Nekoosa until just after 8 a.m., according to the Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation.
Police say alcohol is a potential factor in the crash, but have not said whether anyone has been taken into custody. No names have been released and the crash remains under investigation.
