Sheriff Roger Brandner said he remains hospitalized and expects to be discharged later this week, while his office keeps operations running.
MADISON, WI - October 21, 2026
Columbia County Sheriff Roger Brandner and his wife were seriously injured after a deer ran into their motorcycle on Oct. 11, the sheriff announced Wednesday. Both were taken to a hospital by medical flight.
Key Facts
- Date: Crash on Oct. 11; announced Wednesday, October 21, 2026
- Location: Columbia County, Wisconsin
- Type of crash: Motorcycle crash involving a deer
- Vehicles involved: Motorcycle
- Injuries / fatalities: Serious injuries to the sheriff and his wife
- Responding agencies: Columbia County Sheriff's Office
- Reported by: WMTV
Crash Overview
According to WMTV, Sheriff Roger Brandner and his wife were traveling back from church on Oct. 11 when a deer ran into their motorcycle. Both suffered serious injuries and were taken to a hospital by medical flight.
In an announcement Wednesday, the sheriff said he remains in the hospital and is expected to be discharged later this week. He said he has stayed in regular contact with his office since within a couple of hours of the crash. He also said Chief Deputy Bisch has kept him informed and has sought his guidance when needed, and that he is still leading the office from a distance.
The sheriff thanked his administrative team and the staff of the Columbia County Sheriff's Office for keeping operations on track. He also thanked the first responders, surgeons and trauma team at Marshfield Clinic who provided his care. Few other details have been reported.
People Involved
Sheriff Roger Brandner and his wife both sustained serious injuries, according to the sheriff's announcement. The reports do not provide the wife's name or age.
If You Were Involved
If you were involved in a crash, consider these general steps: