Wisc. TV Gardener Killed While Riding Horse in Beach

A former Wisconsin store owner and local TV garden expert was attacked in Antigua just before the holidays.

On December 19, 2025, around 11 am, Karen Johannsen66, was allegedly hit on the head by an unnamed male suspect while on a horse-riding trip on the island – an injury that eventually led to his death, according to reports.

“The victim was transported by Emergency Medical Services to Sir Lester Bird Medical Center, where he was treated for serious head injuries,” said the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda in a statement issued on December 27.

Despite receiving medical attention several days after the initial attack, Johannsen was pronounced dead at 10:17 p.m. local time on December 26, 2025. According to the Royal Police Force, the suspect in connection with the incident has been arrested by the police and is currently “assisting” the authorities with “their” ongoing investigation. No further information has been released regarding the description or identity of the male suspect.

“The Police Department extends its condolences to the family and loved ones of Karen Johannsen on her passing,” the statement concluded.

It is unclear whether Johannsen was living on the Caribbean island or just visiting at the time of his death, but based on his social media posts, he appeared to visit the island from time to time.

Back in October, the horticulturist shared a photo of himself on Facebook sitting on a beach chair with a tropical drink. In the photo, she wore a pink and purple dress with a floral pattern and sunglasses as she smiled for the camera.

“We are fighting for another good day in Paradise,” he said briefly. “Mom always said there would be days like this…Thank you Mom.”

After his death, Johannsen is remembered by Wisconsin locals for his numerous appearances on News 3 Now’s “Green Gardener” segment, where he shared a variety of plant facts and gardening tips and tricks. He also worked at his family’s garden center, Johannsen’s Greenhouse, in Madison, Wisconsin, with his siblings, Lyn and Gary – a business founded by their father in the late 1950s. However, the shop finally closed its doors for good in 2013.

“Dad never really had an idea,” Karen told News 3 Now at the time. “You know, it was a good little business and he loved it, but he didn’t see what was going to happen. [my] My brother and sister and I had it, we had 20 kilos of stuff in a five kilo bag, and we made it work.”

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact the Department of Criminal Investigation at 268-462-3913 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-TIPS (8477.)

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