12-year-old Critically Hurt in Bike Crash at Sartell Park

Oct 6

A 12-year-old boy was critically injured Sunday afternoon after crashing his bicycle at Northside Park in Sartell.

Police said the boy had been riding his bike down what is known locally as “Muskie Hill” when he lost control and crashed near the bottom.

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He was wearing a helmet at the time, authorities said. Another child, age 10, witnessed the crash and called 911 but had difficulty confirming their location until a nearby citizen stepped in to help.

That citizen, a CPR instructor, found that the boy had no pulse and was not breathing. He began CPR, which officers continued after arriving on scene. Mayo Ambulance crews later took over care and were able to stabilize the boy enough to regain vital signs. He was first taken to St. Cloud Hospital, then airlifted to Hennepin County Medical Center in critical condition.

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Authorities said the child’s name is being withheld pending family notification.

According to Sartell Police, several citizens with medical training rushed in to help during the emergency, including off-duty EMS staff. Others comforted the young witness who had called 911.

Officials said updates on the incident will be provided when available.

UPDATE | 6 p.m., Monday, June 2

A 12-year-old boy who was critically injured in a bicycle crash in Sartell earlier this week has died after doctors determined he had no brain activity.

Police identified the boy as Raghav Shrestha of Sartell. He had been placed on life support following the Oct. 5 crash at Northside Park, where he lost control riding down what is known as Muskie Hill and struck near the bottom. Despite wearing a helmet, Raghav suffered a severe head injury that caused cardiac arrest and left him unresponsive. A bystander trained in CPR began life-saving efforts until first responders arrived, and he was later flown to Hennepin County Medical Center in critical condition.

Sartell Police Chief Brandon Silgjord said officers learned that Raghav had dreamed of becoming a police officer when he grew up. In his final hours, officers visited him in the hospital and swore him in as an honorary member of their department, pinning a badge on him in the presence of his family.

Chief Silgjord called Raghav a cheerful and fun-loving child and said the community will continue supporting his family as they grieve.

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