Polk County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Thief River Falls man died Saturday, Feb. 28, after a snowmobile crash in Gentilly Township.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were sent to the crash at about 2 p.m.
The operator was identified as Cody Teie, 33, of Thief River Falls.
He was pronounced dead at the scene, deputies said.
What we know so far
The sheriff’s office said the crash happened in Gentilly Township, northeast of Gentilly.
Officials did not release a specific address or trail location.
They also did not describe what the snowmobile struck, if anything.
Investigators have not said what caused Teie to lose control.
Deputies did not say if road access or trail conditions affected the response.
Teie was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, authorities said.
Alcohol is not believed to be a factor.
Response and investigation
Crookston Area Ambulance responded with deputies.
Crews started life-saving efforts after they arrived.
The Minnesota State Patrol also assisted, according to the sheriff’s office.
More information on the agency is on the State Patrol website.
The sheriff’s office said the University of North Dakota Forensic Pathology team is assisting.
Forensic pathologists help determine the cause and manner of death after sudden deaths.
The crash remains under investigation.
The sheriff’s office said no further information will be released at this time.
Snowmobile safety resources
Minnesota officials urge riders to slow down and ride sober.
Riders can also check trail updates on the Minnesota DNR snowmobiling page.
The DNR says to stay on marked trails when conditions allow.
Guidance is posted on the DNR snowmobile safety page.
The DNR also shares seasonal reminders in its 2026 safety advisory.
The DNR also recommends riding with a partner when possible.
Wear a DOT-approved helmet on every ride.
Tell someone your route and expected return time.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.

May he rest in peace
very sad. sympathy to friends and famly.
Heartbreaking 💔
My sympathy goes out to the entire family and all friends
My thoughts are with the family
Prayers to all his family and friends
Prayers
Rip
Sorry for your loss!
Prayers to all family and friends 🙏
🙏🙏🙏
Prayers for all
Sending thoughts and prayers to the family.
Prayers to the Teie family
Rip
Prayers for all
To all of Cody’s family 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏
My thoughts are with the family 🙏
So very sorry! Prayers to the Teie families!
Thoughts and prayers for all of the family
🙏🙏
Prayers for the family and loved ones
That is so sad… prayers to dis family!
RIP 🙏
So terribly sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to all of Codys family and friends. 🙏🙏🙏🙏❤❤❤
So sorry to All!! Prayers to All!!
🙏
Sympathy
So sorry for your loss Cory Teie Family 🙏 🙏
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
This is so awful.
Prayers being sent to the family, loved ones and friends sorry for your loss.
That’s terrible. Sending prayers to the family 🙏
The family is in my thoughts and prayers 🙏
My thoughts are with the family 🙏.
😢🙏‼️So sad, My thoughts and prayers to you all 🙏‼️‼️‼️
Our deepest sympathy to all the family !!
🙏💙🙏
Prayers for the entire family🙏🙏🙏
So awful sorry….condolences to his family…
My thoughts are with the family 🙏
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Rest in peace
Pray for him and family
Prayers to the family 🙏🙏🙏
Oh No. Our thoughts and prayers are being sent to his family and friends!
So sorry for your loss! Thoughts and prayers to the entire family!
Sorry for your loss. Will see you on Saturday. Linda will b riding with us.
So very sorry 😔