Morrison County: Eric Spaeth Killed in UTV Rollover

CULDRUM TOWNSHIP, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — A 44-year-old Long Prairie man died, and a 45-year-old woman suffered life-threatening injuries in a UTV rollover Sunday evening in Morrison County.

The Minnesota State Patrol identified the driver as Eric John Spaeth, 44, of Long Prairie.

His passenger, Nicole Lea Spaeth, 45, also of Long Prairie, was transported to Saint Gabriel’s Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The crash occurred October 25, 2026, at approximately 7:52 p.m. on Highway 28 near 20th Avenue in Culdrum Township, near Swanville.

Polaris Ranger Leaves Highway and Rolls

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, Spaeth was driving a 2025 Polaris Ranger XD northbound on Highway 28.

The vehicle was traveling just north of 20th Avenue when it approached a left-hand curve.

While negotiating the curve, the UTV left the roadway to the right.

The Polaris then struck a driveway approach and rolled over.

Both occupants were thrown from the vehicle during the crash.

The State Patrol reported that road conditions were dry at the time.

No other vehicles were listed as involved.

Long Prairie Driver Dies, Passenger Seriously Injured

Eric Spaeth sustained fatal injuries in the rollover.

The State Patrol listed no receiving medical facility for the driver.

Nicole Spaeth suffered injuries classified as life-threatening.

Emergency responders transported her to Saint Gabriel’s Hospital for medical treatment.

The State Patrol’s report did not provide additional details about her injuries or subsequent condition.

The crash report indicates that neither occupant was wearing a seat belt.

Neither occupant was wearing a helmet, according to the report.

Multiple Emergency Agencies Respond

Several emergency agencies assisted following the crash in rural Morrison County.

Responding agencies included Swanville First Responders, the Swanville Fire Department, Mayo Ambulance, and the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office.

The Minnesota State Patrol’s Brainerd District documented the fatal collision.

The crash is recorded under incident number 26801344.

Alcohol Involvement Listed as Pending

The State Patrol’s crash report listed alcohol involvement as pending for both occupants.

That designation does not establish that alcohol contributed to the crash.

The report did not identify a confirmed contributing cause beyond describing the UTV leaving the roadway while negotiating a curve.

Authorities have not provided additional details about what caused the vehicle to leave Highway 28 in the information reviewed.

Minnesota State Patrol Crash Report

The State Patrol classified the October 25 incident as a fatal crash.

The official report was last updated at 11:54 p.m. that evening and marked the information as believed complete.

Readers can review the Minnesota State Patrol crash report for additional official details.

Anyone seeking information about the crash can contact the State Patrol’s Brainerd District at 218-316-3030.

The deadly rollover highlights the potentially severe consequences of being ejected from a utility terrain vehicle.

Safety officials recommend that UTV occupants use appropriate restraints and protective equipment while riding.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.