A tragic crash in Merrimac, Wisconsin, claimed the life of a 68-year-old woman riding an electric bicycle on Wednesday. The accident, which occurred on Idlewild Road, was reported to the Sauk County Dispatch Center at 11:17 a.m.
According to deputies from the Sauk County Sheriff's Office, the woman was riding downhill when she lost control of her e-bike. Witnesses indicated that she was heading south on Idlewild Road towards the intersection with Albrite Drive. One witness noted the rider seemed to be traveling quickly and called out just before veering off the roadway and colliding with a shed.
The woman was wearing a helmet during the incident, as confirmed by the sheriff's office. Bystanders promptly rushed to provide medical assistance, noting a significant laceration on her torso and possible head trauma.
Emergency medical services arrived shortly after, but the woman had already lost consciousness. She was airlifted by Med-flight to a Madison hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
As the investigation continues, authorities have yet to determine if rider inexperience or a mechanical failure contributed to the crash. The woman's identity is being withheld pending notification of her family.