FAYETTE TOWNSHIP — A motorcyclist who lost control of his bike while riding with a group over the weekend died Tuesday as a result of his injuries, according to the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office.

Dennis M. Hartke, 67, Dubuque, was transported via Med Flight to UW Hospital in Madison after he crashed into the ditch on County F in Fayette just before noon Saturday. 

Sheriff Reg Gill said Monday that witnesses saw Hartke drift slightly onto the shoulder and hit gravel. They said Hartke continued to travel along the ditch line while struggling to remain upright. Gill said the bike eventually overturned, resulting in life-threatening injuries and head trauma for Hartke. 

The sheriff’s office announced Wednesday that the department was notified of the death just before 9:30 p.m. Tuesday. 

Blanchardville EMS, Green County EMS, the Darlington Fire Department and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources assisted on scene.

The fatality is the third in Lafayette County in 2018.