APPLETON — Appleton firefighters and Union Rescue workers arriving to a motorcycle crash on Route 131 in Appleton found the operator deceased in the ditch, next to the motorcycle, Monday evening, June 9, 2025. The 28-year-old male from Minnesota was visiting family in the area, according to Knox County Sheriff's Office Capt. Arthur Smith. 

The single vehicle motorcycle crash occurred near 1084 Searsmont Road (Route 131), in Appleton. Responders were notified via 911 scanner at 6:22 p.m.

Searsmont Road was down to one lane while multiple deputies, including off-duty personnel, tried to piece together what may have triggered the vehicle to leave the roadway as it headed toward Searsmont before veering into the treeline.  

Preliminary investigation determined that James Limmer, 28, of Dundee, Minnesota, was traveling east on Searsmont Road and drifted off the roadway into a stand of trees, according to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.

“Mr. Limmer died as a result of injuries sustained upon impact with the stand of trees,” said the KCSO. “Rider inexperience is considered a contributing factor in the crash."

Maine Towing hauled away the motorcycle. 

The KCSO thanks the following agencies: Appleton Fire, Union Rescue, the 6th Prosecutorial District Attorney’s Office, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Burpee, Carpenter, and Hutchins Funeral Home, and Maine Towing.

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com