Young Amish Man Killed In Buggy Rear-End Crash (Wisconsin)
An Amish man has lost his life in a “serious crash” in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin. Via the Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office media release:
Fatal Crash Involving Vehicle and Horse-Drawn Carriage Claims One Life
On Sunday, June 15, 2025, at approximately 8:55 AM, Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Deputies, along with EMS and fire personnel, responded to a serious crash on USH 10 east of Maertz Road, in the Township of Cato.
Initial investigation indicates that a 2020 GMC Terrain, operated by a 42-year-old female of Brillion, was traveling eastbound on USH 10.
Ahead of her vehicle, a horse-drawn carriage, operated by a 27-year-old man of Manitowoc County, was also traveling eastbound.
The carriage was struck from behind by the GMC, resulting in both the 27-year-old operator and his 13-year-old passenger being ejected.
The 27-year-old buggy driver perished at the scene. The 13-year-old passenger, who happens to be the driver’s brother, was injured and taken to hospital by ambulance.
Many accidents with Amish buggies – I’d hazard to say the majority of them – happen when a buggy is rear-ended. This typically reflects the obvious great differences in speed.
There is no word here about the speed of the motor vehicle – and no suggestion of any investigation or charges in the report. It might have simply been a visibility issue.
This was a relatively early morning (prior to 8:55 AM) accident. Driving conditions in the morning and the evening can be complicated by fog and sun. No word on that aspect either. On that note, the Sheriff’s Office adds that:
The Wisconsin State Patrol is currently conducting a full reconstruction of the crash. As the investigation is ongoing, no further details are being released at this time.
Since 2002, Manitowoc County has been home to a small Amish community in the vicinity of Reedsville.
Personal notes from those who know the family
The operator of the Nostalgic Twist Facebook account, who apparently knows the family, had this to share:
Please keep the Amish family in Reedsville in your prayers! Sunrise Acres Greenhouse. I had a moment of tears and prayers with the ladies this morning. They are broken from the loss and the second brother is home from hospital and will need prayers as well!! Please people slow down. Lives are Precious!!
They also shared information about the young man who died in the accident. According to sources online, the family of the young man runs the local Sunrise Gardens Greenhouse. So if you are local to that area, know that they are facing a huge loss.
The young man who lost his life is named Robert Lynn Kauffmann, and his funeral is on Thursday. Apparently his family has roots in the Arthur community.
Condolences and prayers to his family and community, and well wishes for the full recovery of the teenage passenger, Robert’s brother.
Who would try and Rob a guy in a Buggy?
A Crack head, that’s who. Next thing you know they will be Buggy jacking. It’s like, These people don’t have enough to worry about without worrying about someone holding them at gunpoint to rob them. I hope the judge shows no mercy on the guy and gal who thought they could get away with these crimes.
Amish accident
is the horse ok?
why didn’t you report that
some of us would like to know
It’s not always reported. I usually try to include that detail if it is though.