Jacob Wagner, a River Falls small-business owner known for his bacon and his bike, died Wednesday afternoon after his motorcycle collided with a pickup near Hudson. Wagner, who co-owned South Ridge Ranch Bacon, was taken to Regions Hospital in St. Paul and was later pronounced dead. The crash happened around 1:30 p.m. at the intersection of Hanley Road and Carmichael Road, a busy Hudson crossroads.
Crash details and emergency response
According to Hudson police, the collision involved Wagner's motorcycle and a pickup truck driven by a minor, who was not injured. Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including the St. Croix County Sheriff's Office, the Wisconsin State Patrol, the Hudson Fire Department and Lakeview Emergency Medical Services, as reported by Pioneer Press. Wagner was transported from the scene to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, where he was later pronounced dead.
Farmers market favorite mourned
News of Wagner's death quickly rippled through local farmers markets and small-business circles. Market at the 45th in New Richmond shared a tribute on social media, writing that "the market will remember Jake for bacon and for the friendship and family he brought with him," as reported by Pioneer Press. Wagner, co-owner of South Ridge Ranch Bacon, was a familiar presence at regional markets. Hudson police say the crash remains under investigation.
