Man identified in bike park death

The man who died in an accident at the Trempealeau bike park in June has been identified.

Trempealeau Police Chief Jeremy Randall identified the deceased as Jay Esch, a 62-year-old man from River Falls.

Esch’s bike went off the track while using a split decision bike ramp. Esch suffered a basal fracture to his lower neck, rupturing an artery to his brain.

An investigation showed the ramp was built properly, but the village is in talks with the Outdoor Recreation Alliance (ORA) of La Crosse on possible safety modifications to the ramp and will share them when finalized, village administrator and finance director Isaac Pooler recently told the Times.

An announcement from the village earlier this month sent its condolences to those affected by the accident and reminded visitors to be cautious.

“We understand the importance of the bike park to our community and the distress the news of this incident may cause. Please be assured that we are working diligently to have these changes completed, and we urge everyone who uses the bike park always to exercise caution. Be aware of your surroundings, always wear a helmet, and ride at your own risk.”