Hwy 81 / Shortcut Rd, BLOOMINGTON, WI 53804

On August 2, 2026, at 10:15 AM, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office received a 9-1-1 call regarding a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 81 near

Shortcut Rd, Beetown Township. The caller, James Uppena, 83, of Madison, WI, was the driver of an SUV involved in the crash and he

reported that he had been hit, head-on, by a motorcycle. Along with Sheriff’s Deputies, first responders from the Bloomington Fire Department

and Lancaster EMS were dispatched to the scene.

The investigating deputy learned Sanford Smith, 66, of Round Rock, TX, was riding his 2025 Harley Davidson, east on Hwy 81, approaching

Shortcut Rd. As Smith approached a slight righthand curve, Uppena was driving his 2024 Subaru west on Hwy 81, approaching the same

curve. Smith’s motorcycle crossed the centerline, directly into the path of Uppena’s vehicle. Uppena veered right, trying to avoid the collision

however, Smith’s motorcycle continued across the westbound lane, colliding with Uppena, head-on. Smith was wearing protective riding pants,

jacket, and full-face helmet at the time of the crash. Smith was ejected from the motorcycle and sustained serious injuries.

Uppena sustained minor injuries. He had been wearing his seatbelt and multiple airbags deployed in his vehicle.

Both Smith and Uppena were transported by EMS to the Grant Regional Health Center for treatment of their injuries. Smith was later airlifted

to a Madison area hospital.

The crash remains under investigation by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Wisconsin State Patrol, Bloomington Fire Department, and Lancaster EMS. The vehicles

were removed by Bennett’s Towing and Arrow Towing, both of Lancaster.

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