Cole Strohbusch killed in pedestrian hit-and-run on East Main Street

Pickup truck struck the pedestrian in the 500 block before fleeing the scene

December 21, 2025 | Watertown, WI

A devastating hit-and-run crash in Watertown, Wisconsin, has left a family grieving the loss of 35-year-old Cole Strohbusch, a devoted father of three. 

The incident occurred early on Dec. 21, when a pickup truck struck him on the 500 block of East Main Street in Jefferson County.

Cole Strohbusch, 35, died after being struck and dragged by a pickup truck in a hit-and-run in the 500 block of East Main Street in Watertown.

What Happened in the Crash?

According to the Watertown Police Department, Strohbusch was walking along East Main Street around 12:40 a.m. when the pickup truck hit him. The vehicle dragged him for several blocks before the driver fled the scene. Strohbusch sustained severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the location.

• Date and Time: Dec. 21, 2025, early morning at approximately 12:40 a.m.
• Location: 500 block of East Main Street, Watertown, WI
• Victim: Cole Strohbusch, 35, husband and father of three children, ages 6, 4, and nearly 2
• Vehicle: Pickup truck, later identified via license plate readers and surveillance footage
• Driver: Jeffrey Mark Redecker, 54, arrested and charged with homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle (with prior conviction), homicide by prohibited alcohol concentration, and hit-and-run resulting in death

Police used advanced technology, including license plate reader data and video surveillance, to track down the suspect vehicle. Redecker now faces serious charges related to the fatal collision.

Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Like This Occur?

Hit-and-run incidents remain a significant concern on U.S. roads, often linked to factors such as intoxication, unlicensed driving, or fear of legal consequences. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alcohol impairment contributes to a substantial portion of pedestrian fatalities.

This table highlights key contributors to such tragedies, underscoring the need for thorough investigations.

Strohbusch was remembered by loved ones as an avid outdoorsman and caring family man. His wife, Megan, and young children are receiving community support through donations and meals, especially poignant during the holiday period.

Legal Insights

In cases such as this involving hit-and-run crashes, a detailed investigation is crucial to establish liability and ensure accountability.

"Having the proper resources is extremely important in order to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence," said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. "Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must thoroughly be examined. These procedures are necessary for helping someone who has lost a loved one at the hands of a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve."

• Fleeing the scene often stems from intoxication or unlicensed status, complicating accountability.
• Comprehensive investigations into environmental factors like lighting and signage can reveal negligence.
• Families may pursue claims for loss of companionship, emotional distress, and financial support.

"Grieving families of victims are sometimes overwhelmed by the legal processes that are in place to protect their rights. An attorney can be a valuable and compassionate resource to help guide a family during this difficult time and ensure that those left behind receive the restitution they are entitled to," said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.

Bond Legal's national legal analysts emphasize proactive protection of rights in wrongful death scenarios, advocating for victims' families against insurance complexities.

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