UPDATE: Deadly Motorcycle Crash
UPDATE: Deadly Motorcycle Crash Save Email Print
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Tuesday, May 27, 2008 --- 1:50 p.m.

The victim of the motorcycle crash Saturday has been identified as 46-year-old James E. Holmen of Madison, WI.

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UPDATE: Saturday, May 24, 2008 -- 10:30pm

**NEWS RELEASE FROM DANE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE**

At approximately 6:40pm, Deputies from the Dane County Sheriff's Office responded to CTH F, .2 tenths of a mile north of Moyer Road, in the Town of Vermont for a motorcycle versus vehicle crash.

Based on the preliminary investigation and witnesses statements the motorcycle was travelling northbound on CTH F. While negotiating a curve the motorcycle entered the southbound lane and was struck by a southbound vehicle.

The motorcycle was operated by a white male, age 46 from Madison.

Med flight responded and the Med flight doctor pronounced the motorcycle operator deceased at the scene. The name of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of family members. The operator of the southbound vehicle and his passenger received minor injuries and were transported to UW hospital by Mount Horeb EMS.

The crash remains under investigation by the Dane County Sheriff's Office. The motorcycle operator was not wearing a helmet and speed may have been a contributing factor in the crash.
_____________________________________________________________

POSTED: Saturday, May 24, 2008 -- 7:55pm

NBC 15 has learned one person is dead after a motorcycle crash, Saturday night, in the Town of Vermont.

It happened on County Highway F near Mount Horeb.

Authorities are releasing few details at this time.

Med Flight was called to the scene.
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Posted by: Larry Location: Poynette on Jun 3, 2008 at 05:22 PM
Jim, Elkhart wont be the same. we will still be looking for you there! GOD SPEED
Posted by: Trista Location: Baraboo on May 31, 2008 at 10:18 PM
Amanda- I want to express my deepest thanks for what you said and did. I called some family tonight and read them your postings, and they really appreciated it. Thank you so very much.
Posted by: Amanda Location: Athens/Black Earth on May 30, 2008 at 02:03 PM
To the family and friends of James: My condolences on your loss. Just know he did not die alone. My family and I (along with the others who stopped) tried to help and make him as comfortable as possiable. We did not leave him until the EMT's arrived and took over. Again, I am very sorry for your loss...I wish there was more we could have done.
Posted by: Amanda Location: Athens/Black Earth on May 30, 2008 at 01:59 PM
It is sad to think that people are so quick to comment on things they know nothing about. NONE of you were there & NONE of you know what exactly happened. I was there & do know what happened. My family & I were in the truck right behind the car. We saw every second of this tragedy. We did not know him but knew he did not diserve to die. Poeple make mistakes every day..its human error. Most of the time, we learn from our mistakes..he did not get that opportunity. Comments like "thinning the herd" & "natural selection" are extreamly harsh, concidering the situation. Comments like that just show how ignorant people can really be. How would you feel if your parent, friend, spouse or even child died in a similar situation & I made a comment like that? So, for the love of god, get lives, stop commenting on the past, pray for this man's family, and be thankful no one else was hurt. It's time to move on people..find a new topic and let this man rest in peace.
Posted by: An. Location: Baraboo on May 30, 2008 at 01:23 AM
My condolences to the families. My husband and I ,and friends are bike riders also. SOmetimes it doesnt take much on a bike. In reply to Scotts posting...How rude of you! I also come from EMS myself and I have family in law enforcement. Crashes are usually investigated and details are not released right away for a reason. Not to mention but you may possibly be violating the HIPPA law by telling people some of those details. Not to mention the family..... Some people may not want to know those details. Put yourself in both families shoes. Imagine that it is your wife or brother would you want to ready those details on line from someone out in scanner land? To EMS I'm sure you did what you could. I know its hard to not be able to save someone. Its all part of the job. I think our fate is already figured out before we get here. When it is your turn it doesnt matter where you are or what you are doing. He was a great guy and I wish there were more people out there who loved life as he did!
Posted by: Tom Location: Madison on May 28, 2008 at 08:39 AM
Jim was a good friend, an artistic craftsman, an adventurous spirit, a comedian, a skillful motor-sportsman and much more. His goofy smile and infectious laughter is what I will remember most. My thoughts and good wishes go out to his father, brothers, sisters and to Beth, his companion, best friend and partner in the adventure they made of life. You'll be missed, buddy. I'm sorry I never got to take you fishing. Say hi to your mom for me.
Posted by: Mike Location: Black Earth on May 28, 2008 at 01:41 AM
Come on, people. I am an EMT from the Black Earth, Mazomanie area. I was not at the scene of this accident, but our service works with Mount Horeb from time to time, and EMTs are very close. I learned of the accident, and all of the details, very soon thereafter. I am a strong supporter of seat belt and helmet laws, but let's put the helmet discussion to rest. A helmet wouldn't have helped this guy. Not to put too fine a point on it, and with apologies to his friends and family, but they picked this guy up off the road in three pieces. His injuries were incompatible with life. The outcome would have been no different if he had been wearing a helmet. In my years as a volunteer EMT I have seen plenty of tragic death on the roads. Events like this are often caused someone making a bad decision,but not always. Sometimes s*** just happens. Maybe the guy hit some gravel. None of us know all the details. Thoughts and prayers to both families.
Posted by: HARLEY Location: MAD City on May 28, 2008 at 01:40 AM
Ride on my friend, ride on! I did not know this man from Adam but I will tell you this! It is ashame to see so many people on here bashing on a death of a fellow human being! What has this world come to? Like it or not we are all brothers and sisters in this world! How can we ever experience the true gifts of life if we are alwas looking at something to be negative about? for those of you that feel its ok to say terrible things about a dead brother, you will oneday have to pay the piper! remember your words on your judgement day, when you look for someone for help! dont be suprised if that help is not on time! Please deep into your soul and find out why you think this type of behavior is exceptable because it is not! Maybe you dont like bikers or maybe you dont like someone because they are different than you! Whatever the case maybe take time to expose yourself to your fellow brothers and sisters! I am certain that by doing so you will see that you may just have the gift of love in you
Posted by: Trista Location: Baraboo on May 27, 2008 at 11:32 PM
I love the people who have to post anonymous instead of their name. Are you too ashamed to put your real name in front of your opinions? How pathetic.
Posted by: Keith Location: Green Bay on May 27, 2008 at 10:55 PM
Jim, you will be missed. You were a good man, a smart, witty friend who always had a story to tell and you were never negative. If your family happens to read this, I want to let them know all these people with the "thining the herd" or "natural selection" comments did not know you, and could not hope to broaden themselves far enough to realize this could have been a friend or family member of theirs who met their untimely demise. To those making these obsurd comments, please think about your wife, child, or parent's death before speaking, and keep your comments to yourself. Your friends and family won't always be as smart, or lucky as they have been. Jim was not any part of our "herd" we want to thin, as you so ineloquently phrased it. Love to all victims of this horrific accident, whether mental, physical, or otherwise.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: wisconsin on May 27, 2008 at 10:54 PM
Way to quickly judge him. the article said he was negotiating a curve. how many times have any of you over-negotiated a curve while in a car? it could happen to anyone. wrong place, wrong time. his error or not, a man still lost his life. his family is still grieving. people make mistakes. and you can't say that he was an out-of-control driver because of this one incident. how would you feel if people were judging your loved one after he/she dies in a car accident? just think for a second.
Posted by: Brad Location: Monroe on May 27, 2008 at 09:54 PM
We only knew you for a short time while you used your artistic talent to transform our home into a one of a kind.We feel honored to have known you!
Posted by: cheryl Location: poynette on May 27, 2008 at 09:46 PM
I just met you this last December, what a great guy! I was looking forward to working with you again on another project..what a tragic loss as a person and a craftsman. My heart goes out to his family and friends. As for the negative comments..I can't believe how cold some people can be, I feel sorry for you, what a pathetic bunch. Accidents happen to many people, how will you feel when it's your turn?
Posted by: Tom Location: blue mounds on May 27, 2008 at 08:37 PM
On our way to visit friends we came upon the accident. The seriousness of it was evident-two police cars parked near the ambulance and no officers in sight-they were obviously assisting the emergency personnel. We immediately turned around, praying for those involved. We ended up spending the evening with someone who happened upon the accident prior to the EMT's arrival.It was horrible for everyone-the witnesses from other cars, the injured people in the vehicle, the emergency personnel, and of course the motorcyle driver. From what it appears, he made a stupid mistake. Let's learn from it. Not one of us can honestly say we haven't had a "near miss" in our lifetime due to poor judgment. Let's also not underestimate what the people in the car went thru and the traumatic impact this will have on them.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 27, 2008 at 07:50 PM
my intelligence is not on trial here so how about u stick to the subject at hand or move along and get a life.
Posted by: Paul Location: New Glarus on May 27, 2008 at 07:17 PM
The deceased worked for me for years and was a friend.He was one of the nicest guys I have met and I know of nobody who would argue with that statement. He was a EXPERT cycle driver who rode all across the country on bikes. He wore a helmet more often than not. He died doing what he loved and would be the last one to ask for sympathy, however, think about the families before you post your callous trash. He wouldn't treat you like that, and thats a fact. His smiles, laughes, stories, friendship and good work in his profession will be missed by many.
Posted by: Kay Location: Blue Mounds on May 27, 2008 at 05:51 PM
Jo: What is wrong with you? Read the facts before you write. It was not 70 mph to 0 mph. On another note, you have no problem sharing the road with cycles? Last time I looked, Wisconsin law required you to share the road with cycles as well as bicycles. It is people like you that get riders killed. You think you own the road. Well, I have some information for you. You don't! Also, don't assume that all riders ride recklessly. I have been riding for 30 years. I am not reckless but did have an accident about 10 years ago. Accidents happen. Get a clue.
Posted by: Tim Location: Waunakee on May 27, 2008 at 03:53 PM
I have been riding for 25 years and take offense to the "natural selection" comment. How stupid can one be? Accidents happen whether it is a cycle or a car. That is why they are called accidents. Do you think the people in this car/cycle accident suffer any more/less that a car/truck accident or car/car accident. I think not. Every accident impacts a life. As for a helmet, it is a personal choice. There are numerous studies showing that the wearing of a helmet can cause death as well. Bottom line: The wearing or not wearing of a helmet had nothing to do with this death. Lets just stick to the facts. A man is dead from a tragic accident and those involved are impacted. Just because a cycle is involved does not change this accident into something more than a car/car accident involving loss of life. Would a death from a car/car accident be considered "natural selection"?
Posted by: Anonymous on May 27, 2008 at 03:15 PM
How about a helmet?? Tragic yet natural selection.
Posted by: K Location: Milwaukee on May 27, 2008 at 02:53 PM
It is amazing how rude and inhumane people can be not matter who is at fault. Some of you seem to have an opinion and you have no idea who these people were. My heart goes out to both families and remember this: LIFE IS SHORT and your bias opinions are going to change that no matter how immature you are. Before you respond to something like this think about all of the mistakes you make on a daily basis whether you killed someone or not - you affected someone somewhere with the mistake YOU made. No one is perfect!!! But those of you who have rude and inhumane comments are always the ignorant ones making the mistakes because you think you are better than everyone else. Get a life and leave these families alone since you have nothing better to do.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 27, 2008 at 02:51 PM
I wonder if there may be more bike crashes given the fact of the fuel increase and people trying to cut back and save money. Not to make it sound this way but the fact is more and more people are starting to take bikes vs. a car, now I do not know this guy, but I'm sure there will be some cases where you may have speed and some inexperience as a factor in accidents. To the family, I'm sure there are alot of prayers in your favor.
Posted by: Jodi on May 27, 2008 at 01:52 PM
Wow. Glad the human race has become so understanding. My prayers to both families. Don't listen to the unkind words of others. They have nothing better to do.
Posted by: Carol Location: Poynette on May 27, 2008 at 01:30 PM
This man was a friend as well as being a subcontractor of ours. He was always full of fun and it was a pleasure knowing and working with him. He will be missed.
Posted by: J on May 27, 2008 at 01:24 PM
I see appreciate all sides of these comments. Everyone is saying words about the rider who passed away and the family in the vehicle. Do any of you know how hard it is for the volunteers who also responded and had to watch someone die in front of them? Not being able to "save" a life as a responder is a difficult thing to deal with. Especially when it is some horrific that can be prevented. So, to all those involved, the rider and family, the people in the other vehicle, all those responded to the call of duty my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Please everyone use some common sense on our roadways. Responders thank you for what you do and being there in everyones time of need. Without you there would be more fatal incidents out there.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 27, 2008 at 12:31 PM
Anonymous, it's nice to see that you can formulate a well-constructed argument, on top of using capitalization, spelling and your space bar. Your intelligence amazes us all.
Posted by: John Location: Madison on May 27, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Trista, sorry for your loss, but when would be a better time than to comment on safety. If this person was being responsible and safe, we would not have to be on here posting these things. But, people, please be respectful of the persons family and friends. To the family in the car. I hope you recover not only from the physical but mental issues that may haunt you. You were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Not your fault!
Posted by: Amy Location: Sun Prairie on May 27, 2008 at 12:13 PM
I remember the last thing you said to me, "Your great, man. Your great." It was an honor knowing you. You have touched so many lives. The loss of a life is NEVER deserved. Although you were cheated of a long, deserved life, I believe you are looking down at all that TRULY knew you, and saying, I lived my life to the fullest, doing what I loved to do most. You will be deeply missed. We love you. YOU ARE GREAT, MAN.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 27, 2008 at 11:49 AM
well glad u are all alive. hopefuly he had insurace so u can sue for all sorts of things. go see a shrink so u can get emot ional distress ontop of pain and suffering.
Posted by: Lisa on May 27, 2008 at 10:34 AM
First, I'd like to send my condolences to the biker's family. I agree with anonymous @ 9:32 AM. He struck the car in the southbound lane, it was not the other way around. That was *my* family, too, and the physical and emotional trauma resulting from this accident will not be soon forgotten. The man driving this vehicle was just released from the hospital yesterday and still has a long recovery period ahead. Everyone here is sending condolences out to the family of the man who died, but not one of you has mentioned a kind word for the passengers harmed as a result of his negligence.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 27, 2008 at 09:32 AM
The story reads "...the motorcycle entered the southbound lane and was struck by a southbound vehicle". My family was in the car in the southbound lane, and the story SHOULD read: "...the motorcycyle struck an oncoming car." I am so glad that my family was not seriously injured by this crazy driver who could not control his bike. I am sorry to the biker's family for their loss.
Posted by: Trista Location: Baraboo on May 26, 2008 at 10:32 PM
I just want to say I have known you since I was a little kid and have always been like family to me and my parents and sister. You will be so deeply missed. And to the other people on this page, get a life. Somebody died and their family and friends are reading this. Have the decency to at least be respectful. You want to preach about motor safety? Get yourself a blog and post it there!
Posted by: Jerry Location: Lodi on May 26, 2008 at 04:55 PM
It was a great day and I am honored to have been with you on your last ride. You shall be missed by all that new you. You were one of the best riders I ever knew but more so a great friend.
Posted by: Amy Location: Middleton on May 26, 2008 at 12:12 PM
"Thinnning the herd" seems like such a clever thing to say, but when the person in question is someone near and dear to you the circumstances of their death are irrevalant; what matters is that they are gone. To those of you out there who think this was a death that was justified due to the mistakes that were made, I hope you never lose a loved one to a accident that could have been prevented. If you do, perhaps you won't be so cavalier in your comments. God Speed, my friend.
Posted by: H on May 26, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Not to be harsh and realistic but this man probably could not have been saved wearing a helmet. My understand is he lost a leg which constitutes severe bleeding and rapid death. That is like saying everyone wearing a seatbelt will survive a crash NOT.
Posted by: A friend Location: Madison on May 26, 2008 at 12:04 PM
I'm just thankful that it was a quick death. Rest in Peace my man, Rest in Peace.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 26, 2008 at 11:27 AM
A helmet wouldn't have helped this guy, his leg was torn off at the hip.
Posted by: Jo Location: Madison on May 26, 2008 at 09:42 AM
Get a grip Anonymous @ 9:43pm and you too, Smart! Of course speed is a factor in any fatal auto/motorcycle accident. Duh! It's PHYSICS!! 70 mph to 0 in less than a second equals death! Let's be honest - there are too many jerks out there trying to prove their manhood by passing as many cars as possible on two lane highways, going as fast as they think they can handle. The State Patrol and County Sheriff's need to get tough on these cretins and not just ticket them, but impound their motorcycles for reckless endangerment. For all of you cyclists who want to complain in reply, RIDE RESPONSIBLY and be courteous to passenger vehicles, and there won't be an issue! I don't mind sharing the road with those of you who ride in a responsible and SAFE manner. And for the rest of you who want to complain about this post, think about this: Do you want to kill or be killed on the road with due to someone else being reckless? Car or bike, dumb is dumb, and dead is dead!
Posted by: scott on May 26, 2008 at 09:19 AM
HaHaHaHa You all assume assume and assume some more. Unfortanetly they can't ask the driver of the motorcycle how fast he was going. But with the amount of witnesses at the scene and that corner being like it is he took it too fast. I happen to have been listening a fire dept scanner when the call came in. Did you all know that his leg was amputated from hip? Did you all know that he was concious and breathing at the time of the accident? Did you all know that he became a pnb before medical help and medflite arrived? They tried and tried ccr but was unable to save him. Medflite also arrived on scene as mounthoreb fire and ems arrived! GEE whose closer. See almost all always assume then blame the media for not telling the full story. What do they owe us? NOTHING So lets all keep assuming.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 25, 2008 at 09:43 PM
any time that there is a accident involving a motorcycle; the media always states that speed was a possible cause.
Posted by: Smart Location: Madison on May 25, 2008 at 08:23 PM
Why do people think helmets are the "save" of every motorcycle accident? He could have had a crushing injury to the chest, or other injuries that contributed to his death. How many motorcycle accidents are there where the motorcyclist ISN'T at fault? Step back for a moment anon before you jump to "if he would've had a helmet he would've been saved" blanket statement that may or may not apply to this situation.
Posted by: jay Location: hayward on May 25, 2008 at 05:42 PM
"Thinning the herd" comment sucks. This is one of my be friends. Wow!
Posted by: Wendy Location: Lodi on May 25, 2008 at 04:03 PM
After reading the other comment and because I have a motorcyle license myself,"thinning the herd" is harsh. A helmet in that type of accident would do little good. You cannot have any feelings for the family even though you state so-- I do know the family and he was one of the nicest people you could ever want to know.
Posted by: anon Location: Blue Mounds on May 25, 2008 at 09:59 AM
I do feel sorry for the family, BUT for the love of God...NO helmet, speeding and crossing the center line! I am glad that there were no other major injuries. To me this is just "thinning the herd"...people are given the opportunity to wear helmets, chaps, and leather jackets to protect themselves, told repeatedly about the dangers of speed and still we have senseless deaths like this one. I don't this!
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