http://www.commander.org/Bergcom/Tec...t%20Manual.pdf
On page 19 it does indeed give a "maximum demonstrated" crosswind value of 12 knots.
That seems very low; I've certainly landed similarly configured PA28s in considerably greater crosswinds, and would not regard that as a hard limit. I would take it as advice that I need to take particular care during the landing.
Also, the photograph seems to indicate a nosewheel collapse on a rough grass surface. That implies either the aeroplane was landed on its nosewheel, or it hit some kind of hole. Overstressing due to skidding sideways on a mishandled crosswind landing should break the maingear on one side. The maingear looks fine.
So, I'd guess either a mishandled landing, or a mechanical failure. Statistically the first is rather more likely.
P