Fatal Crash USH 12 and CTH Z - Names Released

NEWS RELEASE - FATAL CRASH USH 12 / CTH Z

UPDATED JULY 5, 2023

NAMES RELEASED

The names of vehicle operators involved in yesterday's fatal traffic crash are as follows: 

Jeffrey L. Bruch, age  54 of Menominee Falls formerly of Baraboo, WI, was operating a  2013 Harley Davidson motorcyle.  Bruch died at the scene.

Denise L. Runyan, age 59, of Mount Horeb, WI, was operating a 2005 Harley Davidson motorcycle.     

Jesus R. Mercado Mora, age 27, of Milwaukee, WI, was operating a 2018 Dodge Charger.

As stated in the initial news release, this crash remains under investigation by the Sauk County Sheriff's Office.  Anyone who witnessed the crash who has not previously spoken with law enforcement is asked to contact the Sauk County Sheriff's Office at 608-356-4895.  Witnesses may also call Sauk County Crime Stoppers at 1-888-TIP-SAUK (1-888-847-7285).

Chip Meister

Sauk County Sheriff     

INITIAL NEWS RELEASE FROM JULY 4, 2023

On July 4, 2023 at 157 P.M., the Sauk County Communications Center received a call for a traffic accident involving multiple vehicles on USH 12 at CTH Z in the Prairie Du Sac Township.  Preliminary reports indicate a vehicle was in the turn lane waiting to turn eastbound on CTH Z.  That vehicle then turned into the path of 2 motorcycles that were northbound on USH 12 causing a collision. The operator of one of the motorcycles sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Sauk County Coroner.  The operator of the other motorcycle sustained serious injuries and was transported to UW Hospital. Two occupants of the vehicle were transported to Sauk Prairie Hospital as a precaution.  At this time, names are being withheld pending notification of the family.  This incident remains under investigation by the Sauk County Sheriff’s Department.  Sauk City Fire and Rescue, Sauk Prairie EMS, UW Med flight and Sauk County Highway Department assisted the Sheriff’s Department at the scene.

Chip Meister

Sauk County Sheriff