BIG LAKE, Minn. — The Minnesota State Patrol reported two teenagers were killed and a third was critically injured after a single-vehicle crash, early Saturday morning in Big Lake.
According to the report, a Big Lake police officer was traveling southbound on Highway 25 near Tarrytown Road just before 2:45 a.m. when the officer passed a BMW that was headed north, driving over the speed limit.
Officials said the officer then turned around to conduct a traffic stop but instead came upon a single-vehicle crash scene involving the BMW. The State Patrol said the BMW left the road to the right and rolled.
Donovan Gobel, 17, and Anthony (Tony) Krider, 17, were killed in the crash. Charles Gabrelcik, 17, was taken to HCMC with life-threatening injuries. All three boys are from Elk River.
Two crosses with the boys' names can be seen at the site of the crash, near the intersection of Highway 25 and Pleasant Avenue. Friends and family gathered all weekend, bringing flowers, balloons and other items to place at the site. A vigil also took place on Saturday.
"Just in shock," said Johnny Krider, Tony's little brother. "Tony, he was the kind of person that... would do a lot of stuff for you and for the people that he cared about."
Tony was in the passenger seat of the car at the time of the crash, according to the State Patrol. Johnny described his brother as fearless and committed. Tony loved the outdoors, including going dirt biking with his friends. He would have turned 18 in August and was going into his senior year at Elk River High School.
"It is gut-wrenching... very gut-wrenching," said Ashley Wannebo Perron, who lives just down the street from the site of the crash.
"I immediately ran over to my neighbor's house and I found out that three kids hit a tree which blocked them from hitting his [the neighbor's] house. He had his nephews with him and that tree saved their lives," Wannebo Perron said.
Gobel's obituary said, "Donovan had a zest for life, finding joy in fishing, BMX racing, driving, and spending time with his family and friends. Known for his big heart, he cared deeply for everyone and everything around him, though he maintained a strong exterior."
The State Patrol is investigating the crash, saying it's unknown if alcohol was a factor in the crash. All three teens were wearing their seatbelts.
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