CHISHOLM, Minn. — One man is dead after a single-vehicle ATV crash in northeastern Minnesota Saturday.
The St. Louis County Sheriff's Office says first responders were dispatched to a recreational trail between the Iron Range communities of Chisholm and Buhl just before 3:45 p.m. on reports of a crash. When deputies arrived they found a side-by-side ATV that was upright but appeared to have rolled due to damage to the vehicle's top.
Investigators say the driver of the ATV, a 29-year-old man from Chisholm, was taken to a hospital in Hibbing where he was treated and released. His passenger, 31-year-old Kevin Joseph Jmnick from Hibbing, was declared dead on the scene. Sheriff's officials say neither man was wearing a seatbelt or helmet, and both were thrown from the machine.
While the exact cause of the crash continues, investigators say initial indications are that speed, alcohol, and not using safety restraints are contributing factors.
It is unclear at this point whether criminal charges will be filed against the driver in connection with the death of his passenger.