On the morning of Saturday, July 5th, 2025, tragedy struck at the intersection of Highway 11 and County Trunk Highway JS in the Town of Spring Prairie, Walworth County, Wisconsin.
At approximately 9:25 a.m., the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received several 911 calls reporting a serious two-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle and an SUV. Callers indicated that two individuals were lying unresponsive in the roadway.
Emergency personnel from multiple departments responded promptly to the scene. Upon arrival, responders found a heavily damaged three-wheeled motorcycle and an SUV resting on its passenger side in the intersection. The wreckage made clear the severity of the impact.
Law enforcement and EMS personnel quickly began life-saving measures, but sadly, the driver of the motorcycle, 73-year-old Mark Weis of Burlington, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Walworth County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The second occupant of the motorcycle and the driver of the SUV were both seriously injured and transported to area hospitals for emergency treatment. Authorities confirmed that neither individual on the motorcycle was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
Preliminary findings from the ongoing investigation by the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office Crash Investigation Unit suggest that the motorcycle had been traveling westbound on State Highway 11, which has no stop signs at the intersection.
The SUV, traveling westbound on CTH JS, was required to stop before entering the intersection. Investigators believe the SUV driver attempted a left turn onto eastbound Highway 11 and entered the intersection directly in front of the oncoming motorcycle.
The resulting collision was devastating, with the motorcycle striking the driver’s side of the SUV. While the identities of the injured motorcycle passenger and SUV driver are being withheld pending further investigation, the loss of Mark Weis has deeply affected the local community.
Friends and family remember Mark as a proud Burlington resident with a passion for riding and a warm, generous spirit. The crash caused significant road closures in the area. Both Highway 11 and CTH JS remained shut down for several hours as investigators and emergency crews worked to document the scene, provide aid, and remove debris.
All roads have since been reopened to traffic. Multiple agencies assisted in the response to this tragic event, highlighting the collaborative effort required in serious incidents such as this.
The response included Walworth County Sheriff’s deputies, good Samaritans who stopped to help, Lyons Fire/EMS, Burlington Fire/EMS, Lake Geneva EMS, Flight for Life Medical Helicopter, the City of Burlington Police Department, the Walworth County Medical Examiner’s Office, and Rae’s Towing.
The Walworth County Sheriff’s Office expressed sincere gratitude to all involved for their quick action and cooperation throughout the emergency response. As the investigation continues, authorities are urging motorists to remain vigilant at intersections and to always yield appropriately.
The crash serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of roadway safety and the potential consequences when attention lapses or right-of-way rules are not followed.
The Walworth County Sheriff’s Office will provide further updates as more information becomes available regarding the circumstances of the crash and the condition of the injured parties. The community now joins in mourning the life of Mark Weis and extends heartfelt thoughts to all families affected by this tragic event.
