1 Killed, 1 Injured in Swanville Off‑Road Vehicle Accident
The Minnesota State Patrol identified the driver who died as Eric John Spaeth, 44, and said his passenger, Nicole Lea Spaeth, 45, both of Long Prairie, was badly hurt.
Candice BondA Long Prairie man died and a woman from the same town was badly hurt when their utility vehicle rolled on Highway 28 north of Swanville on Sunday, Oct. 25, the Minnesota State Patrol said.
What Happened on Highway 28 Near Swanville
The call came in at 7:52 p.m. from Culdrum Township in Morrison County. The State Patrol said the 2025 Polaris Ranger XD was going north on the highway a short way past 20th Avenue when it left the road on the right side. Troopers said it then hit a driveway approach and rolled over, and both riders were thrown out. Police identified the driver as Eric John Spaeth, 44, of Long Prairie, who died. His passenger, Nicole Lea Spaeth, 45, also of Long Prairie, was taken to CHI St. Gabriel's Hospital in Little Falls with injuries the State Patrol called life-threatening.
Who Responded to the Swanville Scene
The State Patrol said the road was dry and that neither rider had a seat belt on. Swanville First Responders, the Swanville Fire Department, Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service and the Morrison County Sheriff's Office helped at the scene. No charges have been announced, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Investigators work quickly at the scene because marks on the road and other evidence fade fast. Much of the slower work happens later, away from the scene.
From an earlier interview. General commentary, not about this crash, and not legal advice.Affected by an accident like this?
Here is what people in Minnesota usually need, in the order it comes up.
Emergency care. Emergency rooms must check and stabilize you, even if you can't pay. The bill comes later.
Your vehicle. Tow yards usually charge for every day a towed vehicle sits there.
Crash report. The crash report is usually ready a few weeks after the crash, and you can still get it later.
Hospital bills. Most hospitals have a program that cuts bills for people with low income, and you can apply months after the first bill.
Insurance offer. You can turn down the insurer's first offer and ask for more.
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