Vehicle struck the pedestrian walking in a lane of traffic in Brockway
March 09, 2026 | Brockway, WI
A 34-year-old man from Black River Falls lost his life after being struck by a vehicle while walking along Wisconsin 54 in Brockway on March 9.
Jordan Funmaker, 34, died after being struck by a vehicle on Wisconsin 54 near Red Iron Road in Jackson County.
- Victim: Jordan Funmaker, 34, of Black River Falls
- Location: Wisconsin 54 between Red Iron Road and Mission Road
- Time: Around 8 p.m.
- Outcome: Funmaker was found unresponsive, received CPR, transported to the hospital, and succumbed to injuries
- Driver: Remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities
- Investigation: Led by Jackson County Sheriff's Office, with assistance from Wisconsin State Patrol
What Happened in the Crash?
The incident unfolded when Funmaker was walking in a lane of traffic. A deputy on patrol discovered him unresponsive in the roadway and immediately began CPR efforts. Emergency responders rushed him to a nearby hospital, but he passed away shortly after arrival. Authorities noted that Funmaker was wearing dark clothing at the time, which may have impacted visibility.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian crashes often stem from factors such as poor lighting, road conditions, and visibility issues. These tragedies highlight ongoing risks on roadways.
Year |
Pedestrian Fatalities |
Percentage of Total Traffic Deaths |
Source |
|---|
2022 |
7,522 |
17% |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
2021 |
7,388 |
16% |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
2020 |
6,694 |
15% |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows a rising trend in pedestrian deaths, the highest since 1981, in 2022. This underscores the need for improved safety measures on highways like Wisconsin 54.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving pedestrian strikes, road conditions, visibility, and lighting play critical roles in determining contributing factors.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined,” said Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal. “An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision.”
- Key Takeaway: Thorough investigations can reveal hidden causes and support fair compensation.
- Key Takeaway: Professional analysis ensures all angles are explored without bias.
Families affected by such losses may pursue claims for wrongful death.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident.”
- Key Takeaway: Legal guidance helps navigate insurance pressures for equitable settlements.
- Key Takeaway: Attorneys advocate to protect rights during difficult times.
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).