Tragedy struck early Sunday morning in Meeker County when a serious vehicle accident claimed the life of 19-year-old Nolan Henke of Dassel and left another young man critically injured.
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The crash occurred around 3:00 a.m. at the intersection of Meeker County Road 6 and 746th Avenue in Collinwood Township, just south of Dassel. According to the Meeker County Sheriff’s Office, a westbound vehicle left the roadway and struck a telephone pole on the passenger side. Both occupants were trapped inside and required extrication by emergency responders.
Henke, who was seated in the passenger seat, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, Elijah Miller, 19, of Cokato, sustained life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to Hennepin County Medical Center, where he remains in critical condition.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Authorities say they are examining factors such as road conditions, speed, and potential distractions. The Meeker County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation with support from the Wright County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota State Patrol, Dassel Fire and Rescue, Cokato Fire, Rescue and Ambulance, Mayo Ambulance, and Lifelink III.
The community has been left devastated by Henke’s sudden passing. Friends, classmates, and neighbors described him as a bright, kind young man whose life was cut tragically short. Meanwhile, prayers and well-wishes continue for Miller’s recovery.
Officials are reminding motorists to drive cautiously on rural roads, particularly during late-night and early-morning hours, stressing the importance of safe driving to help prevent future tragedies.