Autopsy Rules Rochester Man’s Death Accidental After Salem Road Crash
ROCHESTER, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — The death of Nathan Westergaard, who was struck and killed by a vehicle in early August, has been ruled accidental, according to the Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner’s Office.
Authorities say the fatal incident occurred around 5 a.m. on August 3 in the 2700 block of Salem Road SW, near Bamber Lake in Rochester. Police responded after a motorist reported hitting a person who was lying in the roadway. When officers arrived, they found Westergaard unresponsive in the eastbound lanes of the four-lane roadway.
Despite life-saving efforts by first responders, Westergaard was pronounced dead at the scene. The Rochester Police Department investigated the incident and later confirmed that the driver immediately stopped and cooperated with authorities.
The medical examiner’s report determined that Westergaard’s death was accidental. Police have not indicated any signs of foul play or criminal conduct in the incident.
Westergaard’s passing has deeply affected the Rochester community. A GoFundMe campaign organized in his memory described him as a beloved son, friend, and community member: “Nathan is gone from this earth, but what remains is his family, his friends, and the community that he loved so much.”
Authorities remind drivers and pedestrians to use caution, especially during early morning hours, and to remain aware of their surroundings to help prevent similar tragedies.
For more information on pedestrian safety, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Pedestrian Safety page.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
