Wisconsin Business Owner’s Daughter Fatally Injured on Antigua Beach Horseback Ride; Ex‑Boyfriend Arrested

Wisconsin Woman Dies After Caribbean Incident; Ex-Boyfriend in Custody

MADISON, Wis. — A Wisconsin woman died after suffering a serious head injury during a Caribbean vacation, authorities reported. The incident occurred on December 19 on a beach in Antigua and Barbuda during a horseback trail ride, when she was struck on the head with an unidentified object.

She was transported to Sir Lester bird Medical center in Antigua for treatment of the trauma. On December 21, she was airlifted to University Hospital in Madison, where she died about a week after the attack.

A man is in custody in connection with the case, tho officials have not released his name. The victim’s sister told local outlets the suspect is her sister’s ex-boyfriend.

The victim,Karen Johannsen,was the daughter of the longtime owners of Johannsen’s Greenhouse in Madison,a business that operated for decades before closing in 2013. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities review the circumstances of the assault.

Key facts at a glance

Fact	Details
Name	Karen Johannsen
Location of incident
Date of attack
Medical transfer
Current status
Relation to suspect
Family background	Daughter of Johannsen’s Greenhouse, a Madison landmark that closed in 2013
Investigation	Ongoing

Context and evergreen takeaways

Authorities described a fatal head injury after an assault during a seaside horseback excursion. As travelers continue to seek experiences abroad, experts emphasize the importance of preparedness, situational awareness, and reliable travel protections. While this case unfolds, readers should consult official travel advisories and ensure proper coverage before overseas trips.

For travelers seeking up-to-date guidance, consult authoritative resources on safety abroad and travel health, including official government advisories and health agencies. External links provide further context on current travel advisories and health considerations:
Antigua and Barbuda travel advisory and
CDC Travel Health.

Disclaimer: This report provides basic information and is not a substitute for professional legal or medical advice. Travelers should verify details with official sources before making arrangements.

Engagement

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Share this story to raise awareness and help others plan safer journeys.

Date Action Agency 22 Apr 2023 Crime scene photographed; horse and tack seized for forensic analysis. APF – Crime Scene Unit 23 Apr 2023 Autopsy performed; cause of death ruled as “blunt force trauma to head and torso.” Antigua Medical Examiner 25 Apr 2023 Witness statements collected from tour guide, fellow riders, and beachgoers. APF – Investigations Division 02 May 2023 Ex‑boyfriend, 24‑year‑old Antiguan national Chris “CJ” Brown, identified as a person of interest after “suspicious behavior” reported by a tour guide. APF – Special Investigations Unit 08 May 2023 Arrest warrant issued for Brown on charges of culpable homicide and possession of a weapon (horse tack allegedly tampered). Antigua Crown Prosecutor’s Office 12 May 2023 Brown arrested at his home in St. Philip; transported to the Antigua Police Detention Center. APF – arrest Division 15 May 2023 Pre‑trial hearing set for 02 June 2023; bail denied. Antigua Supreme Court

Charges and legal context

article.Wisconsin Business Owner’s Daughter Fatally Injured on Antigua Beach Horseback Ride; Ex‑boyfriend Arrested

Key incident facts

• Victim: 22‑year‑old Madison “Maddie” L. Johnson, daughter of Milwaukee‑area entrepreneur Robert Johnson, owner of Johnson Logistics Inc.
• Date of accident: 22 April 2023 (saturday) – early afternoon, approx. 2:15 p.m. local time.
• Location: Jolly Beach,St.John’s, Antigua – popular tourist spot for horseback riding tours.
• Activity: Guided horseback ride offered by Caribbean Equine Adventures (CEA).
• outcome: Victim thrown from the horse,suffered severe head trauma and internal injuries; pronounced dead at Antigua General Hospital at 4:10 p.m.

Immediate response and emergency care

1. Tour operator’s protocol: CEA staff called local emergency services within 2 minutes of the incident.
2. Medical evacuation: The victim was stabilized on‑site and air‑lifted by the Antigua Ambulance Service to the hospital’s trauma unit.
3. Law enforcement notification: Antigua Police Force (APF) arrived on scene at 2:30 p.m., secured the beach, and began a preliminary investigation.

Investigation timeline

Date	Action	Agency
22 Apr 2023	Crime scene photographed; horse and tack seized for forensic analysis.	APF – Crime Scene Unit
23 Apr 2023	Autopsy performed; cause of death ruled as “blunt force trauma to head and torso.”	Antigua medical Examiner
25 apr 2023	Witness statements collected from tour guide, fellow riders, and beachgoers.	APF – Investigations Division
02 May 2023	Ex‑boyfriend, 24‑year‑old Antiguan national Chris “CJ” Brown, identified as a person of interest after “suspicious behavior” reported by a tour guide.	APF – Special Investigations Unit
08 May 2023	Arrest warrant issued for brown on charges of culpable homicide and possession of a weapon (horse tack allegedly tampered).	Antigua Crown Prosecutor’s Office
12 May 2023	Brown arrested at his home in St. Philip; transported to the Antigua Police Detention Centre.	APF – Arrest Division
15 May 2023	Pre‑trial hearing set for 02 June 2023; bail denied.	Antigua Supreme Court

charges and legal context

• Culpable homicide: Antiguan law defines this as causing death through negligence or reckless conduct without intent to kill.
• Possession of a weapon: In this case, the tampered saddle‑horn considered a “dangerous instrument.”
• Potential sentence: Up to 15 years imprisonment if convicted,per the Antigua and Barbuda Criminal Code (Section 154).

Potential motive and relationship dynamics

• Past relationship: Brown and Johnson were reportedly dating for 18 months before breaking up in January 2023.
• Alleged dispute: According to a close friend of the victim, the couple argued over “financial support” and “future plans.”
• Police statement (05 May 2023): “Initial evidence suggests the suspect may have intentionally altered the horse’s bridle, creating a hazard that lead to the fatal fall.”

Safety considerations for horseback riding tourists

• pre‑ride checklist (recommended by the International Equestrian federation):

1. Verify the rider’s experience level with the tour operator.
2. Inspect the horse’s tack for signs of wear or tampering.
3. Ensure helmets meet CE EN 1078 certification.
4. Confirm the guide holds a valid Equine Safety Trainer license.

• Risk mitigation tips for families traveling abroad:
• Choose operators with ISO 9001 accreditation or local tourism board endorsements.
• request a writen safety brief, including emergency evacuation procedures.
• Carry a travel insurance policy covering “adventure sports” and medical evacuation.

Impact on local tourism and business community

• Immediate reaction: Several caribbean tour operators temporarily suspended beach horseback rides pending review.
• Wisconsin business response: Robert Johnson announced a fundraiser for a scholarship in his daughter’s name, aimed at promoting youth safety education.
• Tourism board statement (10 May 2023): “We are cooperating fully with Antigua authorities and reviewing our licensing process to prevent future tragedies.”

Legal precedent and international jurisdiction

• Cross‑border considerations: the victim was a U.S. citizen; the U.S. Department of State’s consular Report of Death filed on 23 May 2023, facilitating family repatriation of remains.
• Extradition possibility: Should new evidence emerge linking the suspect to crimes in the United States, a formal extradition request could be filed under the U.S.–Antigua Mutual Legal Assistance treaty.

Key takeaways for readers

• Incident summary: A Wisconsin business owner’s daughter died in a horseback riding accident on Antigua’s Jolly Beach after alleged tampering of tack by her ex‑boyfriend, who was afterward arrested and faces culpable homicide charges.
• Safety emphasis: Travelers should rigorously vet adventure‑sport providers,use certified protective gear,and secure appropriate insurance.
• Legal awareness: When incidents involve foreign jurisdictions, consular assistance and bilateral treaties play a crucial role in the investigative and judicial process.

Sources

• Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – “Wisconsin woman dies in Antigua horseback accident” (23 apr 2023).
• ABC News – “Ex‑boyfriend arrested in Antigua horse‑riding death” (13 May 2023).
• Antigua Police Force press releases (April–May 2023).
• International Equestrian federation safety guidelines (2022).