Matthew Pitzel, 61, of Moorhead, died following the Wednesday evening crash on October 21, 2026.<\/p>\n
Police now say a medical emergency caused Pitzel to lose control of his vehicle.<\/p>\n
The crash left his car burning after it struck a fence and a tree.<\/p>\n
Medical Emergency Caused Deadly Moorhead Crash<\/h2>\n
The Moorhead Police Department released Pitzel’s identity after notifying his family.<\/p>\n
Investigators determined that Pitzel experienced a medical emergency while driving.<\/p>\n
That emergency caused his vehicle to leave the roadway, according to the department.<\/p>\n
Police have not disclosed the specific medical condition or what triggered the emergency.<\/p>\n
Earlier in the investigation, officers reported finding no evidence that racing or excessive speed contributed to the collision.<\/p>\n
The updated findings now provide an explanation for the deadly crash.<\/p>\n
Vehicle Strikes Fence and Tree Before Catching Fire<\/h2>\n
The incident happened around 6:35 p.m. Wednesday in the 2200 block of 34th Street South.<\/p>\n
The Red River Regional Dispatch Center received several emergency calls reporting a serious single-vehicle crash.<\/p>\n
Witnesses reported that the car had left the road and struck a fence and tree.<\/p>\n
The vehicle caught fire following the impact.<\/p>\n
Emergency callers reported that the driver remained trapped inside the burning car.<\/p>\n
Pitzel was the only person inside the vehicle when the crash occurred.<\/p>\n
Bystanders Attempt to Save Trapped Driver<\/h2>\n
Several people stopped at the scene and attempted to help Pitzel before emergency responders arrived.<\/p>\n
Moorhead police officers and firefighters were dispatched to the burning vehicle.<\/p>\n
Firefighters removed Pitzel from the wreckage after arriving at the scene.<\/p>\n
He had suffered life-threatening injuries during the crash.<\/p>\n
Emergency medical personnel transported him to a local hospital for treatment.<\/p>\n
Despite lifesaving efforts, Pitzel died from his injuries.<\/p>\n
Moorhead Police and Fire received assistance from Sanford Ambulance and the Minnesota State Patrol.<\/p>\n
Police Release Matthew Pitzel’s Identity<\/h2>\n
Authorities initially withheld the driver’s name while his family was being notified.<\/p>\n
Police later confirmed that the victim was Matthew Pitzel, 61, of Moorhead.<\/p>\n
The department also announced its findings about the medical emergency behind the wheel.<\/p>\n
In its updated statement, Moorhead police expressed sympathy to Pitzel’s family and those who knew him.<\/p>\n
A notice from Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service also confirmed Pitzel’s death on October 21.<\/p>\n
The funeral home reported that arrangements were pending when the notice was published.<\/p>\n
Updated Findings Released by Moorhead Police<\/h2>\n
The new information follows the department’s initial report about the fiery crash.<\/p>\n
Investigators had previously asked witnesses and anyone who contacted Pitzel before the collision to come forward.<\/p>\n
The updated police statement identifies the medical emergency as the cause of the crash.<\/p>\n
Readers can review the official Moorhead Police Department crash update<\/a>.<\/p>\n The identification and medical findings were also reported by Valley News Live<\/a>.<\/p>\n Additional reporting is available through KFGO Radio<\/a>.<\/p>\n TRF News previously covered the crash before the driver’s identity and medical emergency were confirmed.<\/p>\n Readers can review our original report on the fatal Moorhead crash<\/a>.<\/p>\n Police have not released further information about the nature of Pitzel’s medical emergency.<\/p>\n I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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