Brainerd Man Dies in ATV Accident

A 47-year-old Brainerd man was killed yesterday, a passenger on his ATV was injured, following an accident in a remote area of Deerwood Township.

Craig Rye died when his vehicle rolled on top of him while he was attempting to descend a steep hill.  His passenger, 21-year-old Erik Rye of Shepard, Montana was seriously injured.

The accident happened North West of Clearwater Lake off Crow Wing County Road #8, shortly before 3 p.m. Monday.  Others in the party called for help.

The riders were unable to give their location because of the remote area they were in. 911 dispatchers with the Crow Wing county Sheriff’s Office were able to determine the riders general location from their cell phone. North Ambulance Air Care helicopter was able to locate the ATV’s from the air and direct rescuers to the scene.

When rescuers arrived the operator of the rolled ATV was dead and his passenger was badly injured. Deerwood Fire and Rescue was able to transport the parties from the scene.