The Minnesota State Patrol identified the driver as Eric John Spaeth, 44<\/strong>, of Long Prairie.<\/p>\n His passenger, Nicole Lea Spaeth, 45<\/strong>, also of Long Prairie, was transported to Saint Gabriel’s Hospital with life-threatening injuries.<\/p>\n The crash occurred October 25, 2026, at approximately 7:52 p.m. on Highway 28 near 20th Avenue in Culdrum Township, near Swanville.<\/p>\n According to the Minnesota State Patrol, Spaeth was driving a 2025 Polaris Ranger XD northbound on Highway 28.<\/p>\n The vehicle was traveling just north of 20th Avenue when it approached a left-hand curve.<\/p>\n While negotiating the curve, the UTV left the roadway to the right.<\/p>\n The Polaris then struck a driveway approach and rolled over.<\/p>\n Both occupants were thrown from the vehicle during the crash.<\/p>\n The State Patrol reported that road conditions were dry at the time.<\/p>\n No other vehicles were listed as involved.<\/p>\n Eric Spaeth sustained fatal injuries in the rollover.<\/p>\n The State Patrol listed no receiving medical facility for the driver.<\/p>\n Nicole Spaeth suffered injuries classified as life-threatening.<\/p>\n Emergency responders transported her to Saint Gabriel’s Hospital for medical treatment.<\/p>\n The State Patrol’s report did not provide additional details about her injuries or subsequent condition.<\/p>\n The crash report indicates that neither occupant was wearing a seat belt.<\/p>\n Neither occupant was wearing a helmet, according to the report.<\/p>\n Several emergency agencies assisted following the crash in rural Morrison County.<\/p>\n Responding agencies included Swanville First Responders, the Swanville Fire Department, Mayo Ambulance, and the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office.<\/p>\n The Minnesota State Patrol’s Brainerd District documented the fatal collision.<\/p>\n The crash is recorded under incident number 26801344<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The State Patrol’s crash report listed alcohol involvement as pending for both occupants.<\/p>\n That designation does not establish that alcohol contributed to the crash.<\/p>\n The report did not identify a confirmed contributing cause beyond describing the UTV leaving the roadway while negotiating a curve.<\/p>\n Authorities have not provided additional details about what caused the vehicle to leave Highway 28 in the information reviewed.<\/p>\n The State Patrol classified the October 25 incident as a fatal crash.<\/p>\n The official report was last updated at 11:54 p.m. that evening and marked the information as believed complete.<\/p>\n Readers can review the Minnesota State Patrol crash report<\/a> for additional official details.<\/p>\n Anyone seeking information about the crash can contact the State Patrol’s Brainerd District at 218-316-3030.<\/p>\n The deadly rollover highlights the potentially severe consequences of being ejected from a utility terrain vehicle.<\/p>\n Safety officials recommend that UTV occupants use appropriate restraints and protective equipment while riding.<\/p>\n I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\nPolaris Ranger Leaves Highway and Rolls<\/h2>\n
Long Prairie Driver Dies, Passenger Seriously Injured<\/h2>\n
Multiple Emergency Agencies Respond<\/h2>\n
Alcohol Involvement Listed as Pending<\/h2>\n
Minnesota State Patrol Crash Report<\/h2>\n
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