June starts out on a tragic note in Fillmore County with a fatal motorcycle accident. On June 1, at 11:31 a.m., the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office emergency Communications Center (911) received a call of a motorcyclist striking a horse in the 40000 block of Highway 44. This area is west of Mabel and east of the junction of Highway 44 and 52. Fillmore County Sheriff’s Deputies, Minnesota State Patrol, Mabel Fire, and Mabel Ambulance all responded. It was found that a single motorcyclist that was eastbound on Highway 44 struck a horse that was in the east bound lane of the highway. The victim was driving a 2000 model Harley Davidson. The victim, a 60-year-old male from Decorah, Iowa, was pronounced dead at the scene. The horse also died in the accident. This fatality accident is being investigated by the Minnesota State Patrol.
During this busy motorist season, the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office asks all motorists to drive with care. Additionally, motorcyclists please wear protective clothing and most importantly, helmets.