Apple Valley Jobsite Death Leads to Manslaughter Charge

Christopher Boone Crimmins

A Brainerd man faces a felony manslaughter charge after a hydraulic grapple fatally injured a co-worker during an Apple Valley tree-trimming job.

Orren Joseph Cassavant, 67

Orren Joseph Cassavant, 67

Orren Joseph Cassavant, 67, of Red Lake Falls, Minnesota, passed away on August 17, 2026. Orren was born on August 24, 1958, to Harry Cassavant and Angeline (Lefebvre) Cassavant. He was baptized at St. Dorothy Catholic Church in Dorothy, Minnesota, and attended St. Hilaire Elementary School and Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls. Throughout… Continue reading Orren Joseph Cassavant, 67

Douglas C. Erickson, 77

Douglas Clare Erickson, age 77, of Roseau, Minnesota, went home to be with Jesus on August 14, 2026, after a courageous battle with stage IV stomach cancer. While we grieve this tremendous loss, we also rejoice that Douglas is now completely healed and in the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Douglas was… Continue reading Douglas C. Erickson, 77

Yvonne Celeste Pederson, 84

Yvonne Celeste Pederson, 84

Yvonne Celeste Pederson, born Yvonne Celeste Johnson, passed away on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the Thief River Care Center in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, surrounded by her loving family. She was 84 years old. Yvonne was born on August 12, 1942, in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, to Willard and Ingeborg (Larson) Johnson. Soon after… Continue reading Yvonne Celeste Pederson, 84