A three-vehicle collision on the WIS 172 bridge over the Fox River in Brown County, Wisconsin, has claimed the life of a 20-year-old motorcyclist and left another driver injured. The crash occurred on August 22 and involved a Porsche Macan, a Dodge Journey, and a Honda CBR motorcycle, all traveling westbound on WIS 172 at the time of the collision.

The motorcycle operator, identified by authorities as 20-year-old Jayden Gardner of the Village of Allouez, died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. The Porsche was driven by 20-year-old Michael Kussow of Green Bay. The Dodge Journey was driven by 75-year-old Linda Tryba, who sustained minor injuries and was treated and released.

Emergency responders were dispatched to the bridge following the collision, and the incident prompted an investigation by the Brown County Sheriff's Office Crash Reconstruction Unit, which remains ongoing. Authorities have not yet released a determination of fault or additional details about how the collision unfolded. The Sheriff's Office is asking anyone with information about the crash to come forward.

Location and Infrastructure

The crash occurred on the WIS 172 bridge spanning the Fox River in Brown County, a heavily traveled corridor connecting communities on either side of the river, including the Village of Allouez and the City of Green Bay. WIS 172 functions as a key east-west route in the area, carrying a mix of commuter, commercial, and recreational traffic, including motorcycles, across the river. Bridge crossings like this one can present unique hazards, including merging traffic patterns, limited shoulder space, and reduced maneuvering room compared to standard roadway sections. As with many state highway bridges, traffic control on WIS 172 is governed by posted speed limits and standard lane markings. Investigators will likely examine traffic flow, vehicle positioning, and roadway conditions at the time of the crash as part of the ongoing reconstruction effort.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Wisconsin law, motor vehicle accident claims are generally subject to a modified comparative negligence standard (Wis. Stat. § 895.045), meaning a party found more than 50% at fault may be barred from recovering damages, while a less-at-fault party's recovery may be reduced in proportion to their share of fault. Wisconsin also follows a financial responsibility framework requiring drivers to carry liability insurance, which may factor into claims arising from this collision. For personal injury claims, Wisconsin law generally imposes a three-year statute of limitations (Wis. Stat. § 893.54), while wrongful death claims are also subject to specific filing deadlines. Compensation in cases involving serious injury or death may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and, in wrongful death claims, loss of companionship or financial support. Those affected are encouraged to consult a licensed Wisconsin attorney to understand their specific rights and options.

Related Resources

• Brown County Sheriff's Office – Crash Reconstruction Unit: 920-448-4200
• Wisconsin State Patrol – Traffic safety information and crash reporting
• Wisconsin Department of Transportation – Traffic Safety and Statistics
• Wisconsin State Legislature – Chapter 346, Rules of the Road
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Motorcycle safety resources
• Grief and trauma support services – Local victim advocacy and counseling organizations in Brown County for those affected by traffic fatalities