Restaurant group co-owner killed in motorcycle crash near Minnesota–Wisconsin border
HUDSON, Wis. (WFRV) – A co-owner of a popular Twin Cities-area restaurant group died Sunday afternoon after being hit by an alleged drunken driver while riding his motorcycle near the Minnesota-Wisconsin border.
David Burley, co-founder of the Blue Plate Restaurant Company, was identified by The Freehouse – one of the company's restaurants – in a social media post announcing his death. The company closed all of its restaurant locations on Monday to give staff time to grieve, saying 'this loss is overwhelming for all of us.'
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According to CBS Minnesota and the Wisconsin State Patrol, the crash occurred around 2:45 p.m. on Interstate 94 near Hudson. A vehicle traveling in the right lane attempted to pass traffic on the shoulder, struck a guardrail, and then veered back into the lane, colliding with Burley's motorcycle. Both vehicles crashed into the concrete median barrier.
Burley and the 33-year-old driver from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, were taken to a nearby hospital. Burley died from his injuries, while the other driver is expected to survive.
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The Wisconsin State Patrol says the driver had been drinking alcohol prior to the crash and could face charges pending further investigation. He was reportedly not wearing a seatbelt.
Blue Plate Restaurant Company operates several Twin Cities-area establishments, including The Freehouse, The Lowry, 3 Squares Restaurant, Longfellow Grill, Edina Grill, Groveland Tap, and Highland Grill.
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