One Person Dead After Motorcycle Hits Deer in Northeast Iowa

One person was killed in a chain-reaction, weekend crash involving multiple motorcycles and a deer in northeast Iowa. 

An investigation by the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) determined three motorcycles were riding on Garber Road, about 15 miles southeast of Elkader, when the front bike collided with a deer. A second motorcycle lost control while taking evasive action, with a third motorcycle able to safely avoid wrecking, shortly after 9 PM Saturday (Oct. 10) night.

CCSO says the first motorbike, which hit the deer, was being ridden by two people, with the passenger pronounced dead at the scene. The driver was seriously injured and airlifted to Emplify Health in La Crosse.

Clayton County Sheriff Brent Ostrander has identified the deceased as 34-year-old Kelley Knockel  of Colesburg.

The driver of the second bike was taken to Guttenberg Municipal Hospital for serious injuries. The third motorcycle was occupied by two individuals who were uninjured.

Also assisting at the scene were the Guttenberg Police Department, Guttenberg Ambulance Service, Mercy One Elkader Ambulance Service, Guttenberg Fire Department, Clayton County Medical Examiner’s Office, Garber First Responders, and the Garnavillo Police Department.