Kelley Knockel Obituary, Death – 34-Year-Old Woman Killed in Clayton County Motorcycle Crash After Deer Enters Road
Kelley Knockel, 34, of Colesburg, Iowa, died following a motorcycle crash involving three motorcycles on Garber Road in Clayton County on Saturday night, October 10, 2026. Her husband, Joshua Knockel, 42, who was riding with her, suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to a hospital for treatment.
According to the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to Garber Road, west of Kennedy Road, at approximately 9:17 p.m. after receiving reports of a motorcycle crash involving multiple injuries.
Sheriff Brent W. Ostrander said the preliminary investigation indicated that a white-tailed deer entered the roadway, setting off a chain of events involving three motorcycles traveling eastbound.
The first motorcycle, a red 2013 Harley-Davidson operated by Joshua Knockel, struck the deer. Kelley, who was riding as his passenger, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Joshua suffered serious injuries and was transported by air to Emplify Health in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
The crash also involved a second motorcycle, a black 2014 Harley-Davidson operated by Mathew Witham, 58, of Guttenberg. Witham reportedly took evasive action before losing control of his motorcycle. He sustained serious injuries and was taken by ambulance to Guttenberg Municipal Hospital.
The third motorcycle, a black 2013 Harley-Davidson operated by Nicklas Rosenberger, 33, of Dubuque, avoided the collision. His passenger, Selena Courtney-Puccio, 39, also of Dubuque, was not injured. Neither person on the third motorcycle sustained injuries.
Several emergency services responded to the scene, including Guttenberg police, fire and ambulance personnel, as authorities worked to assist those involved.
Kelley’s death has left her family and loved ones facing a painful loss. At 34, her life ended suddenly in a crash that began when a deer entered the path of the motorcycles. Her husband is now recovering from serious injuries while grieving the loss of his wife.
The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers deer can pose to motorists, particularly on rural roads after dark, when animals may enter the roadway with little warning.
Kelley Knockel will be remembered by her family, friends and the Colesburg community. Heartfelt condolences go out to Joshua, their loved ones and everyone mourning her death. May they find strength and comfort as they navigate this difficult time.