Last Friday, a tragic tragedy struck Wisconsin roads again: Brad Burdett, a 56-year-old native of East Troy, WI, lost his life in a motorcycle accident in Sawyer County. The accident happened in the peaceful rural village of Lanrot, near the intersection of Phipps Road and Gooch Road. Burdett's family, friends and local community are now mourning his passing.
Preliminary findings from the Sawyer County Sheriff's Office state that Brad Burdett was traveling westbound on Phipps Road when, for an unknown reason, he went off the road. His motorcycle continued to travel and finally stopped a few hundred meters into the North Canal. Emergency crews did all they could to save Burdett, who tragically died at the scene after being thrown from the motorcycle following the incident. They arrived shortly after the crash was reported. There are still unresolved issues regarding the details of the crash as officials conduct their investigation, including whether Burdett was wearing a helmet or other protective equipment at the time of the incident.
Wisconsin Department of Transportation data indicates that this accident is the 77th motorcycle-related death in Wisconsin in 2024. As more motorcycle deaths occur in Wisconsin, the public and state leaders become increasingly concerned as each new occurrence exacerbates the emotional toll Wisconsin communities take. The horrific death toll in these collisions has reignited debates about motorcycle safety, the value of protective gear like helmets, and the need for greater enforcement of traffic laws.
The loss of a dear member of the community has left Burdett's family devastated as investigators work to piece together the events that led to her death. Brad was known in East Troy as a gentle and understanding man, a talented rider who devoted a significant portion of his life to two wheels. Those who knew him will always miss him, and the shock of his passing sparked vital discussions about the dangers of riding a motorcycle and the safety measures riders can take.
