Motorcyclist Dies in Collision with SUV in Anoka County
A 49-year-old motorcyclist died after a collision with an SUV Saturday just before noon in Anoka County.
On October 5, 2024, at about 11:55 a.m., the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, Saint Francis Police Department, Oak Grove Fire Department and Allina EMS responded to a serious crash near the 3200 block of Viking Blvd NW in Oak Grove.
Authorities say a woman was driving an SUV eastbound on Viking Blvd NW when she collided with a motorcyclist who had stopped in the roadway to make a left-hand turn. The motorcyclist, 49-year-old Kelly Matthew Linder, of Albert Lea, was waiting to make the turn when he was struck from behind by the driver.
Emergency responders arrived within minutes, initiating life-saving measures. A Life Link III medical helicopter also responded, with a crew providing additional care. Despite those efforts, Linder was declared deceased at the scene due to the severity of his injuries.
The driver of the SUV remained at the scene and cooperated with law enforcement as they began their investigation. Preliminary indications suggest that the collision occurred in a stretch of Viking Blvd NW where the road is relatively straight, with no immediate obstructions to visibility.
The Minnesota State Patrol is leading the investigation, with support from the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office and the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office. They are working to determine the precise cause of the crash, including whether speed, distraction or any other factors played a role.
The Oak Grove Fire Department worked alongside other responders to secure the area and assist in the cleanup of debris from the crash site. Viking Blvd NW was temporarily closed to traffic in both directions for several hours as authorities documented the scene and cleared the roadway.
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