Kelley Knockel Colesburg IA Motorcycle Accident Death, Obituary – Woman Died In Clayton County Crash
According to the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to Garber Road, west of Kennedy Road, at approximately 9:17 p.m. A preliminary investigation found that three motorcycles were travelling east when a white-tailed deer entered the roadway. The lead motorcycle, carrying Kelley as a passenger, struck the deer. She sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The motorcycle’s driver, identified as her husband, Joshua Knockel, 42, of Colesburg, was seriously injured and airlifted to a hospital in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
The crash also affected riders travelling behind the couple. The driver of a second motorcycle, 58-year-old Mathew Witham of Guttenberg, reportedly lost control while attempting to avoid the collision and sustained serious injuries. A third motorcycle carrying two people managed to avoid the crash, and neither occupant was injured. Emergency responders from several local agencies assisted at the scene as injured riders received care.
Kelley’s death is a painful reminder of how quickly a road journey can become a tragedy. While official information about her personal life remains limited, her loss will be felt most deeply by those who knew and loved her. Family members and friends facing such grief often find themselves holding close the everyday memories that made their relationships special: time spent together, conversations, laughter, and the simple moments that become precious after a loved one is gone.
The Clayton County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the crash. As Kelley Knockel’s family and friends come to terms with her sudden death, may they find comfort in one another and strength through the support of their community. Her life should be remembered with dignity and compassion, while those affected by the accident receive the care and privacy they need during this difficult time.
