Moorhead Crash Victim Named; Medical Emergency Cited

MOORHEAD, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — Authorities have identified the man killed in a fiery single-vehicle crash in Moorhead earlier this week.

Matthew Pitzel, 61, of Moorhead, died following the Wednesday evening crash on October 21, 2026.

Police now say a medical emergency caused Pitzel to lose control of his vehicle.

The crash left his car burning after it struck a fence and a tree.

Medical Emergency Caused Deadly Moorhead Crash

The Moorhead Police Department released Pitzel’s identity after notifying his family.

Investigators determined that Pitzel experienced a medical emergency while driving.

That emergency caused his vehicle to leave the roadway, according to the department.

Police have not disclosed the specific medical condition or what triggered the emergency.

Earlier in the investigation, officers reported finding no evidence that racing or excessive speed contributed to the collision.

The updated findings now provide an explanation for the deadly crash.

Vehicle Strikes Fence and Tree Before Catching Fire

The incident happened around 6:35 p.m. Wednesday in the 2200 block of 34th Street South.

The Red River Regional Dispatch Center received several emergency calls reporting a serious single-vehicle crash.

Witnesses reported that the car had left the road and struck a fence and tree.

The vehicle caught fire following the impact.

Emergency callers reported that the driver remained trapped inside the burning car.

Pitzel was the only person inside the vehicle when the crash occurred.

Bystanders Attempt to Save Trapped Driver

Several people stopped at the scene and attempted to help Pitzel before emergency responders arrived.

Moorhead police officers and firefighters were dispatched to the burning vehicle.

Firefighters removed Pitzel from the wreckage after arriving at the scene.

He had suffered life-threatening injuries during the crash.

Emergency medical personnel transported him to a local hospital for treatment.

Despite lifesaving efforts, Pitzel died from his injuries.

Moorhead Police and Fire received assistance from Sanford Ambulance and the Minnesota State Patrol.

Police Release Matthew Pitzel’s Identity

Authorities initially withheld the driver’s name while his family was being notified.

Police later confirmed that the victim was Matthew Pitzel, 61, of Moorhead.

The department also announced its findings about the medical emergency behind the wheel.

In its updated statement, Moorhead police expressed sympathy to Pitzel’s family and those who knew him.

A notice from Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service also confirmed Pitzel’s death on October 21.

The funeral home reported that arrangements were pending when the notice was published.

Updated Findings Released by Moorhead Police

The new information follows the department’s initial report about the fiery crash.

Investigators had previously asked witnesses and anyone who contacted Pitzel before the collision to come forward.

The updated police statement identifies the medical emergency as the cause of the crash.

Readers can review the official Moorhead Police Department crash update.

The identification and medical findings were also reported by Valley News Live.

Additional reporting is available through KFGO Radio.

TRF News previously covered the crash before the driver’s identity and medical emergency were confirmed.

Readers can review our original report on the fatal Moorhead crash.

Police have not released further information about the nature of Pitzel’s medical emergency.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.