Cody Zahn, Tobin Rueckl – A tragic motorcycle crash in the Town of Franklin over the weekend claimed the life of one man and left another seriously injured. Authorities reported that the accident occurred Friday evening, just before 8:30 p.m., on County Trunk Highway G, north of Taus Road.
The incident involved two motorcyclists traveling northbound. According to the initial investigation, 54-year-old Tobin Rueckl from De Pere was riding a 2010 Harley Davidson motorcycle, and 30-year-old Cody Zahn of Brillion was riding a 2009 Harley Davidson. The crash unfolded when Tobin lost control of his motorcycle, which subsequently caused Cody to lose control of his as well.
As a result of the crash, Tobin was ejected from his motorcycle and sustained fatal injuries. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene. Cody, who was also thrown from his bike, suffered serious injuries and was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment.
Authorities confirmed that neither of the men was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Investigators also determined that both speed and alcohol were contributing factors in the incident, which heightened the severity of the outcome.
The Wisconsin State Patrol is leading a detailed reconstruction of the crash to gather more information and confirm the exact sequence of events. At this stage, the investigation is still ongoing, and officials have not released any additional details regarding the findings or potential charges.
The accident has raised renewed concerns about motorcycle safety, particularly the importance of wearing helmets and avoiding impaired or reckless driving. The absence of protective gear and the involvement of alcohol and speed in this crash serve as sobering reminders of the risks motorcyclists face.
Local authorities and safety officials are urging riders to exercise caution, wear helmets, and avoid consuming alcohol before riding. Tragedies like this one underscore the dangers of motorcycling when safety precautions are not followed, even for experienced riders.
Friends, family, and community members are now mourning the loss of Tobin Rueckl, while others remain hopeful for Cody Zahn’s recovery. The crash has left a lasting impact on the Town of Franklin and surrounding communities, as people reflect on the fragility of life and the importance of road safety.
The joint investigation between local law enforcement and the Wisconsin State Patrol continues, and officials are expected to provide updates once the full crash reconstruction is completed. In the meantime, the focus remains on supporting the families affected by this devastating accident and encouraging safe practices for all road users.
