RANDOLPH, Minn. — A 17-year-old driver is dead after his car rolled and he was ejected in Dakaota County on Wednesday morning, according to officials.
The Dakota County Sheriff's Office said in a release that around 8 a.m., the teenager was driving north on Highway 56 near Dakota County Road 88 in Randolph when his vehicle slid into the ditch and rolled.
The driver was ejected from the car and he was pronounced dead on scene.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) identified the teen as Tayven Geiger in an incident report. State troopers noted that Geiger was not wearing a seatbelt.
Geiger played for the Randolph High School baseball team, and played an integral part in helping the Rockets win the state Class A title in 2022.
"Tayven was not just a player on the field; he embodied dedication, commitment, and passion for the game," Randolph Baseball posted on social media. "He has been a valuable member for the past three years. His contributions were instrumental in our team's success, notably crucial in securing our 2022 State Championship."
HTP Sports Academy, a developmental baseball/softball program in Apple Valley he played with, also set up a GoFundMe to help raise money for memorial services.
"Tayven embodied so many wonderful qualities on and off the baseball field, his smile and laughter were contagious to all he greeted, he was the best teammate and and friend and was always in a positive mood that lit up the room when he walked in," said HTP Sports Academy in a statement. "He loved hunting, fishing trucks, baseball and anything outdoors."
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is available.
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