Emerald Man Dies in Motorcycle Accident

On September 27 at approximately 7:45 p.m. St. Croix County recorded its 15th motor vehicle fatality for 2007. John F. Rognholt, 43, of Emerald, was riding his 2003 Harley Davidson motorcycle eastbound on 210th Ave. near 150th St. in the Town of Stanton when he struck a deer that ran out from the south ditch. Rognholt was ejected from the bike.

He was treated at the scene by New Richmond EMS, New Richmond Fire, Star Prairie First Responders and the St. Croix County Sheriff's Department before he was transported by New Richmond EMS to the New Richmond Municipal Airport. From there he was flown to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minn., by Lifelink Helicopter.

Rognholt was later pronounced dead at Regions Hospital. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The accident remains under investigation by the St. Croix County Sheriff's Department.