By Patrick Lynn

The Portage County Sheriff’s Office has released the names of those involved with Monday’s fatal crash. 

According to a press release Tuesday morning, the driver of the 2007 Honda motorcycle was 21 year-old Alexander Reeder of Wisconsin Rapids. His passenger was Katherine Axlen, 20, of Mukwonago. Reeder and Axlen were both seniors at UWSP.

The driver of the 2006 Chevy Uplander minivan is Sheila Schulfer of the Town of Linwood. She and her 11 year-old son were uninjured in the crash.

Authorities from the Portage Co. Sheriff’s Office say the 911 call was received at 4:47 PM following a two- vehicle crash on Highway 66 at County Hwy. PP in the Town of Linwood. Deputies determined a westbound minivan driven by a Schulfer, 41, who was making a left turn into a private driveway, and turned into the path of an eastbound motorcycle, driven by Reeder.

The motorcycle struck the minivan near the passenger side front door, and both riders of the motorcycle were ejected.  Reeder and Axlen were both wearing helmets.

While alcohol is not suspected to be a factor in the crash, the Schulfer voluntarily submitted a blood sample for alcohol testing.

The crash forced authorities to close State Highway 66 between County Highway C and County Highway II until approximately 7:30 PM Monday.

The Rudolph Volunteer Fire Department and EMS, Portage County Ambulance Service, Plover Fire Department and Wisconsin State Patrol all responded to the scene.

This accident marks the first fatal crash in Portage County in 2014.

The Portage County Sheriff’s Office reminds all motorists that with the warmer weather, drivers should expect to see a dramatic increase in motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian use of the highways.  Motorists are asked to be extra vigilant.