GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. — A conservation officer for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources died Monday morning in a two-vehicle crash near Grand Rapids, according to officials.
Sarah Grell, 39, died in the line of duty Monday morning. Minnesota State Patrol says the crash occurred just after 8:30 a.m. Monday near County Road 336 and County Road 57 in Itasca County when a semi made contact with Grell's driver's side door.
According to a press release from the DNR, Grell served as a conservation officer since 2005, and was part of a "proud family legacy," as her uncle, father and grandfather also worked as conservation officers.
“The sense of loss we feel right now is indescribable,” DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen said in the release. “We are heartbroken for her family. Our deepest sympathies and concerns are with them. Officer Grell leaves behind an incredible legacy of service to Minnesota’s people and natural resources.”
Col. Rodmen Smith, DNR Enforcement Division director, said that Grell was the "epitome of a public servant."
“Her loss is devastating, and we ask the people of Minnesota to keep Officer Grell and her family in their thoughts during this difficult time," Smith said in the release.
A GoFundMe has been set up for Officer Grell's family.
