BLAINE, Minn. — A man is dead after a car struck him on Highway 65 and 109th Ave. NE in Blaine early Tuesday.
The Anoka County Sheriff's Office says dispatchers received a call from a passerby just before 4:30 a.m. reporting a man lying in the road. A second caller said they were in a vehicle that may have run over that person as they lay in the street.
Blaine and Coon Rapids police officers and deputies from Anoka County were dispatched to the busy intersection and located the injured man, identified as 42-year-old James Douglas Sachs of Blaine. First responders attempted lifesaving measures while a medical helicopter arrived to transport the victim to a local hospital. Unfortunately, Sachs died on scene before he could be transported.
Investigators located the vehicle and 64-year-old male driver involved in the fatal incident, and said he is cooperating.
In the days since his death, Sachs' employer, Performance Pool & Spa, started a GoFundMe to help cover the cost of his funeral and memorial service.
"James was known for his wit, love of animals, and gregarious personality. His passing is an enormous loss for all those who had the privilege of knowing James," the GoFundMe post read.
If you'd like to contribute to help the Sachs family, click here.
Blaine police, the Minnesota State Patrol and the Anoka County Sheriff's Office continue to work together on the investigation. Anyone who witnessed the incident or was in the vicinity of 109th Ave. NE and Central Ave. NE at approximately 4:30 a.m. on Jan. 2 is asked to call non-emergency dispatch at 763-427-1212.
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