The close-knit community of Baraboo, Wisconsin, has been left in mourning after the sudden, tragic death of 61-year-old Christin Marie Harding, a well-known advocate, cyclist, and philanthropist. On October 8, 2024, Christin was riding her bike, engaged in one of her most cherished pastimes, when she was fatally struck in a hit-and-run accident. Her passing has sent shockwaves through the community and left a profound void in the lives of those who knew and loved her.
Born on April 9, 1963, in Marinette County, Wisconsin, Christin’s life was marked by her deep connection to Baraboo. She was a graduate of Baraboo High School, where she formed many of the friendships and ties that would follow her throughout her life. After finishing school, Christin built a thriving career, but she also became deeply entrenched in community service and advocacy, especially for causes related to cycling and multiple sclerosis (MS).
Christin’s passion for cycling was more than a hobby; it was part of her identity. She was well-known in Baraboo and across Wisconsin for her involvement in the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Ride, an event that brought together cyclists and advocates to raise awareness and funds to combat the disease. Her dedication as a leader in the MS Ride community extended over many years, during which time she inspired countless others to participate and support the cause. The battle against MS was personal to Christin, and she poured her energy into organizing rides, fundraising, and ensuring that each event was a success. Her leadership was as integral to the MS Ride as the cyclists themselves.
Christin’s advocacy wasn’t limited to multiple sclerosis. For a season, she was also involved with the Lymphomaniacs, a group dedicated to raising awareness and support for individuals suffering from lymphoma, a cancer that affects the lymphatic system. Her work with the Lymphomaniacs reflected her unwavering commitment to causes that improved the lives of those around her. Friends and fellow advocates often remarked that Christin had a unique ability to rally people together and make them feel empowered, whether through her vibrant personality, her organizational skills, or her boundless enthusiasm for cycling.
On the morning of October 8, 2024, as she was riding her bicycle along familiar roads in the Baraboo area, Christin’s life was cut short in a hit-and-run accident. A vehicle struck her and fled the scene, leaving Christin gravely injured. Despite the quick response of emergency services, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Her death has not only shocked the Baraboo community but has also left those who knew her struggling to come to terms with the senseless loss of someone so beloved.
The authorities quickly launched an investigation into the incident, working diligently to track down the driver responsible for Christin’s death. After a brief search, they were able to apprehend the individual involved in the hit-and-run, though details about the driver’s identity and the circumstances of the arrest have not yet been made public. The arrest has provided some sense of closure for Christin’s grieving family and friends, though the pain of her loss remains unbearable.
Christin’s husband, Mike Harding, with whom she shared over 40 years of marriage, has been left devastated by her untimely death. The couple married on October 3, 1982, in a unique ceremony held at a rock quarry in Baraboo. The setting was a reflection of their shared love of nature and the deep roots they had in the community. Throughout their marriage, Mike and Christin built a life together filled with love, adventure, and a shared passion for their community. Mike, like so many others, is now grappling with the unimaginable loss of his partner and best friend.
Christin’s death has left behind not just a grieving family, but an entire town mourning the loss of one of its most vibrant members. Her involvement in the MS Ride and her work with the Lymphomaniacs were only part of her larger commitment to philanthropy and service. Christin was also a successful businesswoman, having owned and operated Studio C, a photography studio in Baraboo, for many years. Her creativity, professionalism, and eye for detail earned her a stellar reputation in the local business community, and her work was cherished by many clients who admired her ability to capture life’s most precious moments.
In addition to running her photography studio, Christin worked for years as a legal secretary at Viney and Viney, a law firm in Baraboo. Her meticulous attention to detail and dedication to her work made her an invaluable asset to the firm. Whether she was behind a camera lens or working on legal documentation, Christin’s drive and passion for excellence were evident in everything she did.
Christin was a lifelong learner, always seeking to expand her horizons and better herself. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County, where she furthered her education. Additionally, she studied Spanish at Barrentos Language Academy and learned American Sign Language at Madison Area Technical College. These pursuits reflected Christin’s broad-minded approach to life and her desire to connect with others, both personally and professionally.
While Christin’s professional life and community service were impressive, it was her personal qualities that left an indelible mark on those who knew her. Friends and family describe her as someone who radiated kindness, warmth, and generosity. Her infectious enthusiasm for life and her unwavering commitment to helping others were hallmarks of her character. Christin had a special way of making everyone around her feel seen and valued, whether through her work, her advocacy, or her friendships.
The outpouring of tributes in the wake of Christin’s death is a testament to the impact she had on those around her. Fellow cyclists, friends, and community members have shared memories of her unwavering positivity, her passion for advocacy, and her role as a mentor and leader. Many have noted that the MS Ride will never be the same without Christin’s leadership and presence. Her tireless efforts to raise awareness for multiple sclerosis, her encouragement of fellow riders, and her ability to bring people together made her an irreplaceable part of the event.
Her involvement with the Lymphomaniacs also left a lasting legacy. During her time with the organization, Christin played an essential role in supporting individuals with lymphoma, working to raise funds and spread awareness about the disease. Her contributions were deeply valued by the organization and its members, and her death has been a significant loss for the cause.
Christin’s sudden and tragic death has also reignited conversations within the Baraboo community about road safety, particularly for cyclists. Many have expressed their concern over the growing number of accidents involving cyclists and the need for better infrastructure and awareness to protect those who use bicycles as a means of transportation and recreation. Christin’s death has galvanized efforts to improve road safety measures, with local officials and cycling advocacy groups discussing ways to prevent future tragedies.
A celebration of Christin’s life will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home in Baraboo, where friends, family, and community members will gather to honor her memory. The event will be a time to reflect on Christin’s extraordinary life, her contributions to the community, and the countless ways she touched the lives of those around her. Attendees will have the opportunity to share memories, offer support to one another, and celebrate the love and joy that Christin brought into the world.
Plans for memorial rides and other charitable events in Christin’s honor are already being discussed within the Baraboo cycling and advocacy communities. These events aim to carry on her legacy of service and philanthropy, ensuring that her passion for cycling and her dedication to fighting multiple sclerosis and lymphoma continue to inspire others for years to come.
As Baraboo moves forward in the wake of Christin Harding’s tragic death, her memory will undoubtedly live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew her best. Her legacy of compassion, service, and dedication to her community will continue to shine as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Though her life was cut short in a senseless act, the impact Christin made during her 61 years will not be forgotten.
Christin Marie Harding’s life, though ended too soon, was one of remarkable achievement, love, and dedication. She will be remembered not just for her accomplishments as a cyclist, advocate, and businesswoman, but for the way she made the world a better place through her kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to helping others. The Baraboo community, along with her family and friends, will forever cherish the memory of a woman who embodied the very best of what it means to live a life of purpose and passion.
